Recycling old batteries

While I was out and about, I came across a battery recycling scheme taking place at Currys Digital stores where I saw that they had a container filled with batteries for recycling.

I have an old Bisto container which houses all my used batteries (while I tried to figure out what to do with them), so I was glad to see that I can dump all my used old batteries for recycling. I now use rechargeable batteries most of the time so I don't really have to worry much about recycling old batteries which contain mercury, a poisonous chemical found in batteries. Well, at least you know that batteries can be recycled.

While talking to one of the Managers in-store, I was given some information about some other recycling schemes that they have. He told me that customers can drop off their used and old electrical equipment that needs to be recycled at Currys. I was impressed as sometimes you see these used electricals lying in the streets causing an eye-sore, so you can drop them off at Currys Digital for recycling.


How much do you get for recycling old batteries?

Well, as far as I know, you don't get anything for recycling old batteries in the UK, but you may get something for your battery recycling efforts in other parts of the world.

However, it is good to recycle them because batteries contain toxic chemicals and are dangerous to just dump in the dustbin.

Recycling Batteries at Currys and PC World

You can also recycle your old printer ink cartridges in the recycling bins provided instore.

Ink cartridge recycling at PC World and Currys

Update 18 June 2013

I saw an advert online where some people are buying old ink cartridges. So many you can do a search and see what's on offer for your old ink cartridges. I normally just send mine in those plastic charitable envelopes when I get a few piled up.

Book Recommendation - Reduce Reuse Recycle - An Easy Household Guide by Nicky Scott

A few weeks ago, I attended the People and Planet Group meeting at my University.

At the last meeting, I was told about Reduce, Reuse, Recycle a book written by Nicky Scott, which is easy to read and highlights various ways you can recycle a number of household items, including reducing household waste output. The book is even printed on recycled paper.

The book outlines a number of recyclable items such as batteries, attic clearance, ceramics, old coins, old clothes, electrical appliances, your spectacles and much more.

After glancing through a copy bought by a People and Planet member, I knew I immediately wanted a copy of my own. I bought it at Blackwells bookshop for £2 reduced from £3.95, although it is still a bargain at the original price.

It is an enjoyable read and contains a lot of practical information that you can start using immediately. I have learned some new things from it such as recycling engine oil, recycling of fluorescent light tubes or lightbulbs, vending cups and even paint! As they say, you learn something new everyday!