Even when it can’t power your device, a used button battery can still harm your young child. It can burn through their food pipe if they swallow it and it gets stuck.

You might not know

“A 3-year-old boy swallowed the ‘flat’ button battery from the kitchen scales when it was being replaced with a new one. He had a nasty burn of his oesophagus.” Consultant gastroenterologist

The little boy in this story was lucky. His dad spotted that the used battery had gone missing, suspected it had been swallowed and rushed him to hospital.

Yet even after just 3-4 hours, significant damage was done. That’s because modern products are power-hungry. And a ‘flat’ battery that’s no longer up to powering your device can still hold a charge powerful enough to cause harm.

Young children may not be able to tell you they’ve swallowed something. And the symptoms may not be obvious or can seem like a tummy bug or cough.

So why keep used button batteries at home?

Recycle while you shop. It’s easier than ever at supermarkets and bigger shops

Step 1 – Put used batteries in a box kept up high

Step 2 – Grab the box when you pick up your shopping bags

Step 3 – Pop them in the battery recycling bin at the supermarket

Download our flyer for your fridge, to remind you to recycle your batteries safely.

Don’t bin batteries

Remember, don’t put batteries in the rubbish. The materials they’re made of can be recycled. And more fires than ever are being started by batteries being thrown away.

Hidden batteries in things like vapes, electric toothbrushes or mobile phones can be very flammable, but even everyday AA batteries can start a fire in the rubbish.

Find out more