Recycling
Why are batteries recycled separately?
To reap the maximum rewards for our recycling efforts, it’s vital that each items is disposed of in the appropriate way.
Batteries have caused some confusion over the past couple years, with much of the population unsure about whether or not batteries can be recycled. Today, we at Enfield Skips are here to dispel any confusion. This article is going to take a comprehensive look into battery recycling, helping you improve your recycling standards one battery at a time.
Can batteries be recycled?
Yes, batteries can be recycled, but they should not be disposed of into your recycling bin. This is because batteries contain hazardous material that makes the recycling process a little more tricky. The methods involved in recycling your general, household waste are not advanced enough to recycle batteries correctly.
If the batteries end up at a general recycling facility, there is a very high chance they will be diverted to landfill.
In addition, the hazardous material used in batteries has been known to leak and infect the other items of your general recycling waste. This renders the entire batch unsuitable to be recycled and instead diverts every item to landfill.
Should I be concerned about batteries going to landfill?
Batteries that end up in landfill are particularly problematic. The hazardous waste used in batteries will eventually seep out in the landfill, permeating the surrounding environment and infecting nearby oceans. This polluted water may even end up coming out of our drinking taps!
How do I recycle my batteries?
Batteries can be safely recycled by taking them to a local battery recycling point. These can often be found at your local supermarkets, or may be offered as a collection service through your local council.
Alternatively, by choosing to hire a skip from a reputable, eco-conscious skip hire business, you can rest assured that your waste will be salvaged and recycled correctly. Here at Enfield Skips, we aim to recycle at least 90% of your waste at our specialist recycling plant. Our industry expertise and drive to help the environment ensures the most is always made from your unwanted rubbish.
How are batteries recycled?
Batteries that are disposed of correctly will be sent to a specialist battery recycling facility. Different types of batteries will be recycled using different methods, but standard alkaline batteries will be recycled using a specialised ‘room temperature’ mechanical separation that removes the hazardous material from the battery and retrieves the remaining parts.
The hazardous material will be dealt with at a hazardous waste treatment facility, whereas the remaining material will be put back onto the market to be reused into a product once more.
Here at Enfield Skips, we offer some of the most cost-effective and reliable local skip hire and waste disposal services throughout Enfield, Hertfordshire and North London. To enquire further, or to learn more about our recycling ethos, give our friendly team a call today.