Having a battery recycling plan in place is important if you have any of the following batteries:

Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-Acid batteries or Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) batteries are used frequently in an uninterruptible power supply system. Where the weight of the unit isn’t an issue, Lead-Acid batteries can provide a reliable, economical choice. There are two different types of Lead-Acid batteries

Valve Regulated (VRLA)

These Sealed Lead-Acid batteries are the more commonly used variant in UPS systems. Side vents release gas if the internal battery pressure becomes too great.

Open Vented (VLA)

These batteries are also referred to as flooded batteries. Requiring great maintenance levels these batteries are unsuited to commercial office or data centres. Due to the open venting, hydrogen escapes directly into the environment.

NiCd (Nickel-Cadmium) Batteries

Nickel-Cadmium batteries have been a popular choice for telecoms applications. Offering the advantages of 20-year design life and a wider ambient temperature range. However, these batteries tend to be more expensive than Lead-Acid battery options.

Nickel and Cadmium are toxic materials and therefore need specialist recycling. There are restrictions on the use of these batteries with exceptions for certain applications including emergency, alarm, medical, and cordless power tools.

Ni-Mh (Nickel-metal hydride) Batteries

Similar to NiCd batteries, Nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries are a newer option. Less toxic and more cost-effective than traditional NiCd batteries. Typically used as a substitute for similar non-rechargeable alkaline batteries, Ni-Mh batteries offer similar performance and are less prone to leaks.

Alkaline Batteries

A non-rechargeable battery option, alkaline batteries account for 60% of batteries in the UK. In Europe, battery disposal is controlled by the WEEE Directive and Battery Directive regulations, and as such alkaline batteries cannot be disposed of with regular waste disposal.

In the EU, most stores that sell batteries are required by law to accept old batteries for recycling. In May 2009, the UK Waste Batteries and Accumulators regulations were introduced to help reduce the number of batteries that end up in landfill.  This legislation requires battery producers to finance the collection, treatment, and recycling of this type of waste.