How will I know which collection day/date/bin week my batteries will be collected?
Please leave your used household batteries in any bag and fasten it to the handle of any colour bin on any collection date.
Will lithium batteries be collected?
We are not collecting litium batteries yet.
Can all batteries be collected and disposed of together/at the same time?
Do not store different types of batteries together. Try to store different batteries separately before placing them out for collection and fasten them to the container in separate bags.
What batteries will we collect?
We can recycle the following types of household batteries:
- AAA
- AA
- C
- D
- 4.5V and 9V
- Button batteries
- Mobile Phone
- Laptop
What is classed as a household battery?
Household batteries often have a standard shape, and can be described as coin/button batteries (eg watches) and AA, AAA, C, D, 4.5V and 9V (eg TV remote, children's toys).
Where do I leave them?
Please fasten your batteries in a bag to the handle of any SKDC wheelie bin on any of your collection days.
Does SKDC get paid for the batteries they collect?
SKDC does not get paid for the batteries we collect.
What happens to the batteries?
Batteries are made from many different materials including zinc (used in AA batteries) and nickel cadmium (used in power tool batteries); all are recycled into their component parts.
The recovered materials can be used to manufacture new batteries and electronics; they can also be used in the steel industry and even in paint production.
Will you take damaged batteries?
Yes, please ensured damaged batteries are stored in a separate bag to any other batteries.
Does it matter what colour bin I put them out with?
No, we will collect batteries that are fastened to any colour bin and store them in a separate container on our vehicle.
Would SKDC refuse to take my batteries?
Batteries would be refused if other items that are not batteries are in the bag.
Does it matter if it is lithium or alkaline?
SKDC will collect only alkaline batteries for now.
If my bin is missed do I leave the batteries with it?
Yes, please keep the batteries fastened to the handle of your missed bin.
If my bin is taken but my batteries are not will they return?
No. SKDC will collect batteries with any colour wheelie bin. If your batteries have not been collected, please attach them to your next bin that is due to be collected.
If my bin is refused, will they still take the batteries or will they refuse all of it?
Yes, if the batteries and stored correctly when the wheelie bin has been refused, the batteries will still be taken.
Will SKDC take vapes?
This is not currently part of the scheme. Please take these to your local supermarket or HWRC.
Does it matter what bag I put them in?
Please do not use black bags, as the operatives need to be able to complete a visual check to confirm that only batteries are in your bag.
Does my council tax go up to pay for the service?
This will not increase council tax. The implementation of this service within the current collection service means the costs are kept to a minimum. Diverting batteries from the waste and recycling bins will reduce damage to the waste collection vehicles and will save repair costs.
Peterborough takes vapes; why won't SKDC?
SKDC is limiting the battery collection service to household battery types at first so that we can assess how popular the scheme is. The council may extend the list of accepted batteries to include vapes in the future.
Where can I find my nearest battery collection if I miss the bin men?
You can recycle your used batteries by taking them to any shop that sells them or the Household Recycling Centre.
What about flats that have the communal bins?
The battery collection service is not available to residents living in flats. We are working to find a solution so we can offer the service to all our residents in a safe way. In the meantime, you can still recycle your used batteries by taking them to any shop that sells them or the Household Recycling Centre.
What about households that have sack collections?
The battery collection service is not available to residents who have SKDC sack collections. We are working to find a solution so we can offer the service to all our residents in a safe way. In the meantime, you can still recycle your used batteries by taking them to any shop that sells them or the Household Recycling Centre.
I am on assisted collection, how do I dispose of my batteries?
If you are part of the assisted collection scheme you can have your batteries collected by fastening them to the handle of your wheelie bin, or leaving them on top of your wheelie bin lid if you are unable to do so.