Each Christmas, the UK sees a huge surge in disposable battery sales—they power everything from festive light-up decorations to new children’s toys and all kinds of handy household gadgets.
While they help keep the holiday magic alive, it’s important to remember that batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, can pose a serious fire risk if they’re not handled and disposed of correctly. Even when they seem fully drained, they can still spark, ignite, or leak harmful chemicals.
Batteries should never be thrown into your general waste or household rubbish bins. When crushed in waste trucks or compactors, or exposed to heat, they can easily catch fire—putting waste workers, collection vehicles, and local facilities at risk.
The safest and most sustainable option is to switch to rechargeable batteries wherever you can. Rechargeables can be used hundreds of times, offering long-term savings and dramatically cutting down the amount of hazardous waste sent to recycling facilities. They’re better for your wallet and the planet.
However, if you do have disposable batteries to get rid of, please recycle them responsibly. Most libraries, supermarkets, DIY/hardware shops, and local recycling centres offer dedicated battery recycling drop-off points. It only takes a moment to dispose of them safely, and it makes a real difference to reducing fire risks and protecting the environment.
From all of us at Love you Chelmsford, we wishing you a shockingly wonderful Christmas—full of positive energy, safe celebrations, and brilliantly bright lights!
