Almost half of young people bin batteries

YOUNG people are being urged to stop throwing away used batteries, as a new survey reveals that almost half of 18-to34-year-olds across the country are simply tossing them in the bin.

Despite warnings about the environmental and safety hazards of dumping used batteries, behavioural change is needed in the younger generation, according to a study by Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment Ireland.

‘They are often lauded as the most environmentally conscious, yet the survey shows a worrying 43% of adults under 34 actually throw their used batteries in general waste bins instead of recycling them,’ said Leo Donovan, head of WEEE Ireland.

Over-55s are the most eco-conscious, with just 9% binning batteries.

More than a quarter (28%) of people are unaware that batteries contain valuable resources such as cobalt, zinc, nickel and lithium, which can be used again, the survey reveals.

‘For the millions of batteries not recycled properly every year, we lose precious elements and important resources that can only be replaced by mining,’ Mr Donovan said.