LiPos › Disposing of LiPo batteries in the UK
Disposing of LiPo batteries in the UK
A dead or damaged LiPo should never go in the household bin. Here is where UK batteries go, and what to do with a pack you can't trust.
Why not the bin?
Lithium batteries can start fires in bin lorries, transfer stations and recycling centres. Norfolk County Council states this directly, and fire services say the same. Lithium cells can also be crushed or punctured in a lorry, which is exactly how they ignite. For that reason, do not put batteries in your general waste or your household recycling.
Where to take them
Options in the UK include:
- Your council's recycling centre. Norfolk's page, for example, says to drop the battery at the battery collection point at a recycling centre. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue says to take batteries to a supermarket collection point or a local authority recycling centre.
- Your local council's website. Some councils run separate battery collections. Search for your council's battery page.
- The Recycle Your Electricals website, which Norfolk's page recommends for finding a nearby drop-off point.
- A shop. For larger items such as power tools, ask the shop where you bought them. Norfolk's page suggests this.
Not all drop-off points accept every type. Large LiPo packs, such as those used in RC models and drones, may not be taken at a supermarket battery box, so check before you go.
Damaged and swollen packs
Norfolk's page gives no specific guidance on damaged batteries and sends you to your council or Recycle Your Electricals. So: phone or check the website first, explain that it is a damaged lithium polymer pack, and ask how to bring it. Until you can take it:
- Keep it away from the house in a non-flammable container or surface, not in a drawer or bag with other items.
- Keep it away from heat and from anything flammable.
- Do not puncture, crush or submerge it. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue says not to.
Read swelling, damage and fire safety for signs to watch for.
Discharging before disposal
You will find hobby advice online to discharge a pack in salt water. We have not seen UK official guidance recommending it, and our sources did not describe a discharge procedure, so we do not give one here. Ask your recycler.
Devices with built-in batteries
If the battery is built into a device and cannot be removed, take the whole item to the small appliances container at a recycling centre. Norfolk's page says this. Do not bin toys, toothbrushes or gadgets with batteries inside.
Packs from other people
If a friend or relative gives you old packs, do not assume they are fine. Check them for swelling and damage, and if you do not want them, take them to a proper collection point rather than passing them on or leaving them in a garage.
Reducing waste
- Store packs at storage voltage so they last longer.
- Buy only what you need and match packs to your model: see ratings explained.
- Do not stockpile old packs. Dispose of them as soon as they are retired.
This is general information, not a substitute for the instructions that came with your battery and charger. If your manufacturer's advice differs, follow the manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put LiPo batteries in the recycling bin?
No. Take them to a battery collection point. Lithium batteries can start fires in waste vehicles and recycling centres.
Where can I recycle LiPo batteries?
Your council's recycling centre, a supermarket battery point for small cells, or a drop-off point found through Recycle Your Electricals. Ask first for large packs.
What about a swollen LiPo?
Keep it safe and away from the house, and ask your council how to hand it in.
Should I discharge it in salt water?
We do not recommend it. Ask your recycler for advice.