Portable Batteries: Questions and Answers
Batteries are something pretty much everyone uses. But not everyone knows what to do with them once they’re dead. The general idea is to recycle batteries because they can cause pollution but how do you recycle them properly? And what about bigger, more expensive batteries? Can you get cash back? Today, we answer all your burning questions about battery recycling in South Africa.
17 Questions About Batteries (with Answers!)
1. Where can I dispose of a dead UPS battery in my area?
A UPS battery is classified as e-waste, and as such, many electronics recyclers will accept it. Do a quick search to find e-waste recyclers near you who can collect the old battery– either for free or with a cash-back for you. If you’re not fussy about getting money back, you can also drop off dead UPS batteries at e-waste recycling points at Leroy Merlin or Makro.
2. Can I get paid for returning my old car battery?
Yes! You can earn money for recycling an old car battery. Look for local battery scrappers in your area and ask them about pricing. You can alternatively take dead car batteries to Battery Centre, Autozone or similar parts shops for recycling. Generally, car batteries are discounted subject to you bringing the old battery when you purchase a new battery
3. Is it safe to dump alkaline batteries in the regular bin?
No. Never dump alkaline batteries in the normal dustbin. Doing this will have negative effects for the environment, like contaminating the water and soil.
4. Are lithium-ion batteries even recyclable in South Africa?
Yes, we do recycle lithium-ion batteries in South Africa. Our first li-ion battery recycling plant was opened by Cwenga Lib in 2024. Before that, lithium-ion batteries were sent overseas for recycling, and some South African recycling companies still do this.
5. What happens if I put batteries in household rubbish?
Putting batteries in household rubbish is not recommended. They could possibly be damaged during transportation, allowing chemicals to leak out in the landfill where they end up. This is a fire hazard and pollutes the soil.
6. How should I store used batteries until I can recycle them?
It’s best to store dead batteries in a sealed plastic container that can catch any leaks or spills during storage. Keep them upright if you can, and if they must lie down, cover the ends with tape to prevent the terminals from touching. Always keep used batteries away from children and pets and do not leave them in the sun.
7. Where can I recycle vape batteries?
If your vape has a removable battery, you can drop it in a battery recycling bin at selected retailers. If you can’t take the battery out (disposable vapes, for example), just recycle the entire vape using the collection box at the point of sale or an e-waste drop-off point.
8. Is it illegal to throw batteries into a landfill?
Yes, it is illegal to dispose of batteries in landfills in South Africa. The National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEM: WA) says landfills may not accept any hazardous waste.
9. What do the new EPR rules mean for me as a consumer?
The EPR (extended producer responsibility) rules are for producers (businesses) and do not place any additional obligations on consumers directly. However, they do change how businesses deal with waste, which could mean more recycling options for you as a customer and potentially higher product costs to fund business’ EPR scheme.
10. Do lead-acid car batteries carry a deposit refund?
Yes, most car battery shops include a deposit in the price of their batteries. When you return your old battery to the shop, that deposit will be deducted from the price of your new battery. Most stores do it this way and will not refund you in cash.
11. Can I drop old inverter batteries at Battery Centre?
Battery Centre accepts all types of lead acid batteries for recycling. If your inverter contains a lead acid battery, it may be acceptable. However, if it contains a lithium-ion battery, you may have to take it to an e-waste recycling or specialist Lithium-ion battery recycling facility instead.
12. Is there a fire risk when transporting spent lithium batteries?
Yes, there is a fire risk to transporting used batteries, especially lithium ones. These are prone to overheating and can explode when in close contact with other batteries with no insulation. The best way to avoid this is to prevent the battery terminals from touching.
13. Must I tape the terminals before handing batteries in?
It’s always a good idea to tape battery terminals before recycling them, especially if you’re dropping them in a big container with lots of other batteries. Some drop-off points also provide plastic bags to help separate batteries into smaller groups.
14. Can e-waste and batteries be recycled together?
Usually, e-waste and batteries are recycled separately. That’s because they contain different materials with different handling requirements. However, some drop-off points will accept both e-waste and batteries to make it easier for consumers. They collect all the devices together and sort them afterwards.
15. Which municipal drop-off sites accept batteries?
Many municipal waste depots will accept recyclables, including e-waste and batteries. To find a site near you, visit your municipality’s website. Find waste depots for metro areas below:
- Pikitup Garden Sites (Johannesburg)
- City of Cape Town recycling drop-off sites
- Waste drop-off facilities Nelson Mandela Bay
- Ekhuruleni waste disposal and recycling sites
- Drop-off sites run by Durban Solid Waste
16. How are old solar-storage batteries handled?
All solar storage batteries must be recycled. Lead acid batteries can be taken to retailers like Battery Centre and First National Battery or scrapped at recycling centres. Lithium-ion batteries must be treated as e-waste and can be recycled through an e-waste collector.
17. How do I tell the difference between alkaline, NiMH and lithium cells?
Battery cases should say what type of battery they are somewhere on the body of the cell. Look for the words “alkaline” or “lithium” as clues. NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries are often simply labelled as “rechargeable.”
Need More Information?
Get in touch with eWASA for more detailed guidance on battery recycling in your city or how to comply with EPR for portable batteries.
