Batteries that are put into household waste run the risk of being crushed in bin lorries, leading to possible explosions. Photograph: Gerard Bottino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesWhen your telly remote control claps out, what do you do with the old batteries? A soapy smell, hissing, swelling, heating and smoking from old batteries are all signs of danger. So if you have a stash of waste batteries piling up at home, take it to your nearest collection point sooner rather than later. Recycling batteries is free, safe and it protects the environment, says Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Alan Dillon.

Source: The Irish Times January 26, 2026 15:02 UTC