Recycling Portable Batteries

This applies to any battery not listed under "Industrial Batteries".

As a distributor of portable batteries, we offer the following facilities:

Take-back:

• via our network of Trade Counters. We will take-back waste portable batteries at our branches. For locations, click here.

Collection Points:

• our scheme provider Batteryback has an extensive network of collection bins. For the nearest location to you, please visit batteryback.org.
  
  Should you have any difficulty viewing this information, please call Batteryback on 0844 800 5671 or email them at enquiries@batteryback.org.
  
  If you are planning to recycle a lead-acid battery of weight 2 - 10kg, please contact the collection point before visiting to ensure they will accept it. Most supermarkets will be unable to accept these. Alternatively Batteryback can collect as below.

Collections:

• Batteryback will arrange a free-of-charge collection from your premises, provided the weight of portable batteries exceeds 30kg. Collecting small volumes below 30kg is not considered environmentally best practice.

Contact Batteryback either by emailing enquiries@batteryback.org or calling 0844 8005671 to arrange a collection, specifying you are a customer of RS Components. Collection will normally be arranged for within 7 - 10 working days.

There are three options with respect of the logistics of collections.

1. A wait and load service. The driver will put the collected batteries into containers that will already be on the lorry. In preparation, please ensure:



• The waste is easily accessible for the driver (e.g. is at ground level)
• If there is a very large volume, the drivers will require some assistance in order to safely load the waste into new containers
• There are no leaking batteries



2. Use your own containers. To be acceptable for transportation, the following criteria has to be met:



• Batteries to be in a plastic liner, inside a dry, plastic sealed container
• Lithium batteries (if present) must be mixed with other batteries
• Containers potentially containing lithium batteries are marked on the outside USED LITHIUM BATTERIES (in letters at least 12mm high)
• Lithium only loads are NOT allowed
• Lead Acid batteries MUST be stored separately from dry batteries
• Batteryback will take lead-acid batteries away at the same time, in their own containers



3. Use containers supplied. Batteryback can provide containers for you to collect the batteries in, and to use for safe transportation onwards for recycling. They can deliver these ahead of time. Please note Batteryback will require you to pay a refundable deposit for these containers prior to delivery. This will require you to set up an account with Batteryback. The options are:



• 5 litre bucket (capacity 10kg) - if space is an issue, but you will need four.
• 60 litre indoor container (capacity 110kg)
• 120 litre outdoor container (capacity 220kg)

Please make clear to Batteryback which option you wish to use when speaking to them to arrange a collection.