Batteries...

Grundon offer a total service for the on-site storage, collection and disposal of waste batteries. The vast majority of the batteries are able to be recycled.

Lead acid batteries (Pb) (rechargeable battery, used vehicles, some UPS systems, some rechargeable torches and other equipment): Recycled in the UK via our Ewelme transfer station.

Nickel cadmium batteries (NiCad) (rechargeable battery, used in some UPS systems, variety of electrical equipment including mobile phones, rechargeable torches, computers etc): Recycled at SNAM in France via our Ewelme transfer station.

Nickel metal hydride batteries (Nimh) (rechargeable battery, common use in mobile phones and computers): Recycled at SNAM in France via our Ewelme transfer station.

Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) (best rechargeable battery around at present, common use in newer mobile phones, computers and some photographic equipment): Recycled at SNAM in France via our Ewelme transfer station.

Other lithium batteries (Li) (mostly non-rechargeable, common in single use emergency equipment and photographic equipment): Incinerated in the UK via our Ewelme transfer station.

Mercury batteries (Hg) (rare, however mostly seen as small button cells): Recycled in the UK via our Ewelme transfer station.

Alkaline dry cell batteries (Alk) (standard non-chargeable dry cell battery): Recycled in France or landfilled at a non-hazardous landfill.

In order to recycle the batteries there must be a degree of sorting and segregation. Ideally this should be carried out at the point of collection. This will enable the respective battery types to be bulked directly for recycling, rather than having to be double handled.

If on-site sorting and segregation is possible, we recommend the following categories are used:

• Mixed NiCad, Nimh and Li-ion (There can be cost benefits of segregating each of these, but in practice most people get it wrong!!)
• Pb
• Li
• Hg
• Alk

The most common method of disposal for standard alkaline dry cell batteries is landfill, mixed in the general waste. They are presently deemed "non-hazardous" and there is no recycling market for them in the U.K. This could possibly change in the near future with the implementation of the WEEE Directive.

The closest recycling facility currently available is in France. Due to the components of alkali batteries being of little value and the very high processing costs, the recycling of these batteries is very costly.

Grundon offer a total waste management package, including the provision of containers.

Ordering Information

Our operational area for battery collections covers most of the U.K. All hazardous waste enquiries should be sent to the Technical Department, at the Ewelme depot:

• Tel: +44 (0)1491 834340
  Fax: +44 (0)1491 834319
  e-mail: technical@grundon.com