RECYCLING battery bins are available for people to dispose of their used batteries safely.

BatteryCans have been placed in libraries across the borough to encourage residents to recycle their batteries.

Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Councillor Susan Wise, said: “In the UK we recycle less than 3 per cent of portable batteries, whereas other European countries, such as Belgium, recover over 50 per cent.

“We know we need to improve and this new scheme aims to help redress the situation and it’s such a simple idea.”

Batteries contain hazardous metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, zinc, manganese and lithium which can be damaging to the environment.

Materials recovered from the correct treatment of batteries are the same which are being mined in other parts of the world.

This means battery recycling will help to conserve more natural resources.

For more information, visit batteryback.org