Cleaning products and safety
How to Prepare Rechargeable Batteries for Recycling
A practical sequence from “Confirm battery and point” to “Take to the named point”
Overview
Have the employer confirm that each item is a portable rechargeable battery and identify an accepted collection point. Power off, remove only a user-removable battery, tape exposed terminals and bag each one separately. Never place a swollen, leaking, hot or damaged battery in a collection box.
Tools needed
- Non-conductive tape
- Separate clear bags
- Original packaging if useful
- Official collection-point details
Cleaning steps
Confirm battery and point
Check that the programme accepts the portable rechargeable battery and the point is operating.
Power off and remove
Switch off and remove only a battery designed for user removal.
Cover the terminals
Tape exposed metal terminals fully and place each battery in a separate bag.
Take to the named point
Keep dry and away from metal and heat for employer-arranged delivery.
Common mistakes
Leaving loose batteries beside metal objects
✓ Correct actionTape terminals and bag batteries individually.
Forcing out a built-in battery
✓ Correct actionRemove only a battery designed for the user to remove.
Mixing battery types without checking
✓ Correct actionRead the label and use the matching recycling route.
Putting a swollen or leaking battery in the box
✓ Correct actionSeparate it and ask the employer for official handling advice.
Practical tips
Tips for helpers
- Check label and condition one battery at a time; keep any doubtful item separate and report it.
- Tape the terminals without hiding the label or visible damage.
Tips for employers
- Confirm accepted battery types and arrange delivery to an official collection point.
- Handle damaged batteries under maker or official advice; never ask the helper to open or repair them.
Completion checklist
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