This is a guide to the use and handling of batteries; this information is general and applies across all batteries. However, if you require official guidelines then pleas navigate the rest of this site for information and links regarding official guidance rules.

Storage

Transportation

Handling

Disposal

The BBMA General Battery Safety guide

Storage

• Should be a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, ideally using a small, heat-resistant plastic container.
• Normal storage temperature should be between 10°C and 25°C and should not exceed 30°C
• Extremes of Humidity (over 95% and below 40%) for sustained periods should be avoided.
• Do not expose to direct sunlight for long periods.
• Do not get batteries wet.
• Do not mix batteries with metal objects during storage to avoid accidental short-circuit, and do not store in a densely packed condition.
• The containers used should not be hermetically sealed.

Transportation

Transportation rules vary greatly for different battery chemistries, shapes and sizes, however some basic guidelines should can be followed to give you an idea of the do’s and don’ts of battery transportation:

• Do not handle battery cartons roughly; doing this may cause battery casings to be dented, distorted or possibly puncture possibly causing serious problems.
• Batteries shouldn’t be mixed together as they may be short-circuited, broken by heat, leak, explode or ignite.
• If you are sending a faulty battery back to your supplier (especially BUTTON or COIN batteries) DO NOT use a normal envelope. These are sorted through a machine which can push the battery out of the envelope or cause it to leak.
• Always send your battery back in packaging similar if not the same to that in which you received it.
• Do not mix batteries with other metals or conducting devices; this can dramatically increase the risk of short circuit during transportation.
• Similar rules apply to transportation as storage with regards to containers used to transport batteries (see above).

Handling

This relates to actual battery handling when using the battery in a device. A few guidelines to follow:

• Always read the devices user manual; this should have a section regarding the type of battery used for the device and details of how to replace them.
• Ensure correct alignment of the positive (+) and negative (-) poles of the battery with your device.
• Do not mix batteries in your device, be it old and new, manufacturer, type, whatever, you should never mix batteries. If you do, you run the risk of damaging both the batteries and your device.
• Keep contacts clean on both the battery and device contacts. This can be done by the use of a normal rubber say on the end of a pencil. Simply rub off any residue and wipe clear any debris.

The link below is a guideline for the actual design of battery compartments; however you may find it of interest to read to improve your understanding of different battery compartments you see in various devices.

BBMA Battery Compartments Guide

Disposal

Here are some facts about batteries and the environment:

• Batteries account for less than 0.001% of domestic waste
• More than 98% of primary batteries now contain no heavy metals, such as mercury
• Current European Commission and UK government battery legislation is based upon control of heavy metals. The main battery types covered are two rechargeable systems; lead acids (used in cars) and nickel cadmiums.
• The average household uses 21 batteries a year.
• The UK generates 20,000 - 30,000 tonnes of waste general purpose batteries every year, but less than 1,000 tonnes are recycled.

What you can do:

• For general household batteries, a number of local authorities now collect waste household batteries as part of multi-material kerbside collections, but if they don’t then some retailers such as DIY shops and supermarkets have battery collection points at their stores.
• Your local authority website should have a section regarding battery recycling, if they don’t, contact them directly and enquire about possibly introducing a scheme in the future.
• Otherwise you can get in touch with the battery manufacturer and they should be able to provide you with advice on how to dispose of your battery.

Useful links:

WasteOnine

Environment Agency