Safe recycling at EMR
At EMR we make it easy for you to drop off all your materials in one place, and we pride ourselves on ensuring that you can do this with convenience and ease.
However, there are items we can't accept because they can either:
- harm the environment and / or
- harm our employees, customers and suppliers
One of the most hazardous of these items are lithium-ion batteries.
What are lithium-ion batteries?
These are the batteries found in your household electronic items, from laptops, mobile phones and tablets, to toys, tools and electric scooters and bikes.
These types of batteries are popular because, despite their small size, they can generate plenty of power; making them ideal for small everyday electronics. However, this means they are extremely sensitive.
Why can’t we accept lithium-ion batteries?
These batteries are very sensitive to heat and damage. In a site like EMR, handling and processing material can cause these batteries to heat up quickly and burst into flames. These fires can spread, especially if hidden in a pile of flammable non-metallic items.
Did you know that 38% of fires at waste management sites are caused by lithium-ion batteries
What can you do?
Lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of at your local household waste recycling facility. If you are delivering any items and you are unsure whether they contain a battery, please keep them separated from the rest of your materials and speak to a member of our team who will be able to advise you. You can also contact your local site before your visit
Further advice can be found here.
Accepted items that require caution
There are a number of items that need that extra bit of care and preparation before you can deliver them to EMR.
Pressurised containers
Cylinders and aerosols that contain gases, if heated or damaged can explode! Therefore, unless they have been safely depressurised, cleaned and purged (with a purge certificate provided) we can't accept them at our sites.
If you have sealed containers or gas cylinders, you can return them to the original supplier free of charge or to an approved contractor such as Synergy or Wastecare. Find out more on the BCGA website.
Chemical Containers
Fuels, solvents, paints, thinners and chemical containers, must be emptied and cleaned. If not, they can be harmful to those handling them or the environment because they can be: toxic, harmful, irritant, corrosive or highly flammable. You can find out more information here
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)
These are chemicals found in old electrical equipment like transformers, televisions and refrigerators. If leaked, PCBs can cause health problems and harm the environment, so it is important they are cleaned and decontaminated before they arrive at an EMR site.
If you need any support with decontamination, email pcb-enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.
PCBs have now been banned internationally due to their harmful effects.
By taking the time to be extra careful in separating out your materials before bringing them, you help us to ensure our sites are safe and secure.
For more information on the items that we do and do not accept across our national EMR sites, check your local site.