John Lawrie Metals are proud supporters of #RecycleWeek - a flagship annual event that is a celebration of recycling across the nation. We’re proud to play our part alongside government, media, associations and likeminded businesses to support the public to recycle more of the right things, more often.
Recycle Week will officially launch 17th October 2022 with the core theme of ‘Let’s Get Real’. This theme is designed to challenge perceptions and myths about recycling and improve recycling behaviour.
Here at John Lawrie Metals, we want to focus our efforts during this week to help our communities by highlighting the dangers of discarded of lithium ion batteries and sharing the ways to safely and responsibly recycle them.
Many are not aware of the dangers these batteries pose. Between April 2019 and March 2020, lithium ion batteries were suspected to have caused around 250 fires at waste facilities. That is 38% of all fires, up from 25% compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from Environmental Services Association (ESA).
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how can you Get Real and safely recycle your batteries?
Firstly, make yourself aware of your household items that use lithium ion batteries. Common items include:
The Take Charge campaign shares this top advice and helpful information on how you can recycle dead lithium ion batteries responsibly.
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Always recycle batteries separately from other waste material. These cannot be placed in your household waste.
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All batteries can be recycled for free at convenient locations across the country. These are most often located at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre or in larger shops, like supermarkets and DIY stores. Some local councils also offer kerbside battery collection services, making it even easier.
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Use Take Charge’s location finder tool and they’ll show you where your nearest battery recycling points are. Click here.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
In addition to highlighting the dangers that lithium ion batteries pose when not recycled responsibly, The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA), the trade association representing the metals recycling industry, is highlighting the risks of placing Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in household waste wheelie bins or recycling boxes. When not dealt with correctly, WEEE poses a risk not only to the environment, but for the workers that handle it. WEEE items can include:
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Large household appliances, e.g. fridges, ovens, and washing machines.
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Small household appliances, e.g. kettles, food processors, toasters, and radios.
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IT and telecommunications equipment, e.g. tablets, mobile/smart phones and computers.
WEEE doesn't go in the bin or general waste. It must be taken to a WEEE recycler or a household waste and recycling centre (HWRC). To find a WEEE recycler near you, click here. Call ahead to check the type of material taken. For details of your local HWRC, check your council website.
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