FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

Store collection and battery barrels

I sell batteries and accumulators. Am I obligated to accept used batteries and accumulators at my sales outlet?

Yes, the Waste Act stipulates that every sales outlet that sells batteries and accumulators must accept used batteries and accumulators from end users free of charge and without an obligation to buy new products.

Where should I place the battery and accumulator collection point?

Place the battery collection receptacle in a monitored, dry and room-temperature place near suitable fire extinguishing equipment and a fire and/or smoke alarm system.

What kind of safety aspects should the collection point take into account?

In addition to placing the collection receptacle properly, remember the following instructions:

Place the returning instructions in a visible spot and make sure that they can be followed.
Place a roll of adhesive tape next to the collection receptacle for taping over the terminals of batteries and accumulators.
Check the receptacle regularly to make sure that it does not contain any unacceptable items or trash and that the terminals of lithium batteries and accumulators in particular have been taped over in order to prevent short-circuiting.

I would like to have more information or materials to support battery recycling. What should I do?

You can find ready-made instruction materials for both the collection point staff and returners here. We are also happy to receive any development suggestions regarding the materials or other questions at info(a)recser.fi.

Do I need to make sure all returned batteries and accumulators are taped?

All recyclable batteries and accumulators should be checked, but we understand that this is practically impossible. We therefore urge you to inform customers about the importance of taping batteries and accumulators and to offer the possibility of taping the batteries at the collection point.

However, even in a plastic bag, it is better to return the batteries and the accumulators than without any protection. The plastic bag also protects with a slightly large amount of batteries and accumulators, so that the possibility of a short circuit is reduced.

We do not recommend returning batteries and accumulators in a glass container. At the sorting point, a glass container can pose a danger to the worker when the batteries and accumulators are poured into the sorting and the worker is not aware of the glass among the batteries and accumulators.

As an exception to this, small hearing aid batteries may be returned in their sales packaging in a collection container, as the design of the packaging itself prevents the batteries from coming into contact with each other.

Why does the pick-up take place within seven weekdays of the order being placed?

The reason for the seven-weekday response time is to minimise the environmental impacts. In order to reduce the environmental impacts of the transport of batteries and accumulators, we optimise the routes and make use of joint pick-ups or return logistics. The smaller the carbon footprint of the collection, the larger the positive carbon handprint of the recycling of battery and accumulator materials.

Why should my terminals be taped?