Batteries can become damaged during collection, transportation and processing. If crushed, punctured or exposed to heat, they can ignite and start fires.

As black bags are disposed of in landfill, an incorrectly discarded battery or electronic item can cause landfill fires, which are extremely difficult to extinguish and pose significant safety risks.

Moreover, batteries release harmful chemicals that cause serious environmental impacts. 

No. Batteries should never be placed in the recycling bag.

If a battery becomes damaged during collection or sorting, it can cause a fire that may damage equipment and infrastructure. More importantly, it can put workers’ lives at risk.

Recycling bags contain large quantities of highly flammable materials, which can make such fires even more severe. 

Lithium batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space. If they become damaged, they can overheat rapidly and cause fires that are difficult to extinguish.

As lithium batteries are now found in many everyday products, battery-related fires have become an increasing concern for waste management facilities everywhere.

Some electronic items are so small or commonplace that people often forget they are e-waste. These 'hidden' items frequently end up in household waste bags, increasing the risk of damage and fire.

Common examples include: 

• Charging cables 
• Adaptors and plugs 
• Earbuds 
• Vapes
• Electronic toys
• Solar-powered lights 
• Rechargeable batteries

A simple rule to remember: If it contains a battery, a plug, a cable, a solar strip or needs charging, it is likely to be e-waste.

Batteries and electronic waste should never be placed in the black bag or the recycling bag. Instead, they should be taken to authorised drop-off points.

Loose household batteries
Loose household batteries can be recycled at: 

• Battery bins located at your Local Council
• Battery collection bins available in most shops and retailers 
• WasteServ Roadshow Trucks 
• WasteServ Civic Amenity Sites 

Small electronic items
Small electronic items (up to 50 cm in size) can be disposed of through: 

• WasteServ Roadshow Trucks 
• WEEE collection bins at participating Local Councils 
• WasteServ Civic Amenity Sites 

Large electronic items 
Large electronic items, such as televisions and household appliances, can be taken to WasteServ Civic Amenity Sites. Alternatively, you may contact your Local Council to make use of the bulky waste collection service.

Most Local Councils provide battery collection bins where residents can dispose of used household batteries. Many councils also provide WEEE collection trolleys for small electronic items (up to 50 cm).

For larger electronic items, you may book your Local Council's bulky waste collection service, which collects the item directly from your doorstep.

To make it easier for you, select your locality from the drop-down menu below to view the services available at your Local Council.

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No. Disposing of batteries and e-waste through WasteServ Roadshow Trucks and WasteServ Civic Amenity Sites is free of charge for all households. The bulky waste collection service provided by Local Councils is also free of charge. 

When batteries and e-waste are disposed of correctly, they are collected by authorised Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) and prepared for treatment and recycling.  The materials recovered from electronic waste, including valuable metals and other resources, can then be used to manufacture new products. This reduces the need to extract new raw materials and helps conserve natural resources. 

No. Vapes contain batteries and electronic components, which means they are classified as electronic waste (WEEE).

They should never be disposed of in either the black bag or the recycling bag.

You can return it to a shop that sells vapes, take it to a Roadshow Truck or dispose of it at a Civic Amenity Site.  

Businesses involved in importing, selling or distributing vapes are legally required to support the collection of used devices. When selling an equivalent product, distributors must accept the used vape free of charge on a one-for-one basis.  

Larger retailers selling electrical and electronic equipment must also accept small electronic items such as vapes free of charge, even if you are not purchasing a replacement.  

If a shop or retailer refuses to accept your vape, you can report the matter to the Environment and Resources Authority through its Customer Care portal or by calling +(356) 2292 3500.