Guidelines on How to Dispose of a Used Vehicle Battery in the UK

Disposing of used vehicle batteries comes with not just legislation that you need to adhere to, but also an ethical responsibility to do so in an environmentally friendly manner. The reason for the laws and responsibility is due to the hazardous materials contained in car and vehicle batteries such as lead and acid, which can be harmful to humans, animals, and the environment if not disposed of properly. 

There are a several options available for properly disposing of a used vehicle battery. Your first option could be to put it in with other items you need collecting and let the Zero Waste Group pick it up as part of a rubbish removal job – we will then ensure that it gets disposed of legally, safely, and recycled where possible. To get a quote for a clearance, check our booking form.

Another method is to take it to a local recycling centre (HWRC) or scrapyard. Both places should have the correct facilities to deal and dispose of hazardous waste and then ensure that the car battery is either recycled or disposed of in a safe and responsible manner. You might find that some recycling centres even pay you for old vehicle batteries.

If those options don’t appeal, you could dispose of your used vehicle battery by taking it to a garage or dealership. Some will have arrangements with recycling centres or scrapyards so can take the battery for you. Some garages and dealerships may even offer a battery disposal service for free or for a small fee. The free disposal is more likely to occur if they are fitting a new car battery for you.

Why it’s important to dispose of used vehicle batteries correctly

Proper disposal of old batteries not only helps protect the environment, but it is also keeps you on the right side of the law. Here’s all you need to know.

Environmental impact

Vehicle batteries contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. The lead and acid inside the battery can be absorbed into soil and water, leading to pollution. The pollution will harm wildlife and contaminate their (and your) food sources. 

Also consider how long it will take for the plastic casing of the battery to decompose, adding to already growing landfill waste.

Legal requirements

There are strict regulations on how vehicle batteries should be disposed of in the UK. According to the regulations, all vehicle batteries must be disposed of at a licensed recycling facility – you are not allowed to dispose of them with household waste collections. It is illegal to do so or place them into landfill. 

The recycling process

Once you have disposed of the old and used vehicle battery legally and correctly, it should be recycled. Some waste disposal companies are able to recover up to 95% of the lead from used vehicle batteries. They can then be turned into new batteries, automobile parts and plasterboard components.