13/02/2023: Positive reaction to new battery recycling service

A new battery collection service by Breckland Council has been warmly received by the public and already seen thousands of batteries collected in just the few days since its launch.

Breckland residents are now able to recycle usedhousehold batteries by leaving them out for collection alongside their normal waste or recycling household bin collection. People are being asked to place used household batteries in a freezer bag or similar sized clear bag and leave it on top of their bin on their normal bin collection days.

The council has launched the free scheme as part of its 2035 corporate commitment, as the approach ensures scarce metals found within batteries can be recycled and reused to make new products, helping reduce CO2 emissions.

Cllr Crane, Executive Member for Waste, Environmental Health, Licensing & Sustainability at Breckland Council, commented "I am delighted that we have received such positive public feedback both in person and online. The new collection service will ensure vital materials are not wasted, but recycled and help make new products including producing new batteries, used in paint production or electronic manufacturing. Recycling items like batteries helps reduce CO2 emissions in numerous ways, which is vital considering the current climate emergency. We all need to play our part in reducing polluting emissions in our environment."

George Roach Serco Norfolk's Senior Contract Manger said, " We are delighted to be working with Breckland, Kings Lynn and West Norfolk and North Norfolk Councils to provide this new weekly recycling service to their residents."