Everyday items like children's toys, digital cameras, remote controls and mobile phones, all guzzle batteries which contain heavy metals like cadmium, lithium and mercury.
 | | Most batteries end up on landfill sites |
These toxic substances can have a detrimental effect on our health and that of the general environment if they seep into the soil. An astounding 600 million batteries are thrown away every year in the UK. But residents of Eastleigh can now help cut that number by putting their used batteries in specially provided plastic bags which can be put out with the normal kerbside glass recycling collection. The local council is hoping to recycle 40-50 tonnes of small batteries each year. "Because of the metal content, they do have an impact on the environment so if we can take them out of the landfill sites and actually reuse and recycle them, it is the most environmentally friendly thing to do with them", explained Angela Taylor of Eastleigh Borough Council. Eastleigh is just one of 13 councils trialling the scheme - the ambition is that by 2012, we will recycle 25% of all our household batteries. People living outside Eastleigh can make a start by saving their used batteries and disposing of them at the household waste recycling centres around the county. Using rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones will save you money in the long term while solar powered rechargers are available to help reduce the impact on the environment even further. | 
