Electronics & batteries
Should I tape battery terminals before recycling?
For many loose lithium batteries and batteries with exposed terminals, insulating the terminals is a sensible safety measure and is required or recommended by some collection programmes.
Complete answer
The answer
Use non-conductive tape or individual bags when the programme instructs it, especially for batteries whose terminals can contact metal objects or other batteries. This reduces short-circuit risk during storage and transport.
Do not tape over identification labels needed by the collection operator, and do not attempt to package a damaged or leaking battery without first following specialist guidance.
What to do
- Prevent exposed terminals from touching metal.
- Follow the collection programme’s packaging instructions.
- Treat damaged batteries as a special safety case.
Related WasteSpot resources
These links are optional follow-up resources. The complete answer is provided above.
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