Five rules of thumb for batteries:

  1. Do not put used batteries and accumulators in the general waste due to the risk of fire.
  2. Tape the terminals of used batteries and accumulators immediately after removing them from the device. Taping prevents fires and dangerous situations caused by small charges remaining in the batteries!
  3. Put leaking batteries in a bag.
  4. Make sure that children cannot reach the button batteries.
  5. Use the battery safely and monitor its operation.

Instructions for handling a damaged battery can be found in Zombie batteryfrom the website.

Battery collection

Almost all batteries and accumulators are accepted at stores and supermarkets that sell them, such as Power, K-stores, S-stores, Halpa-Halli and Lidl, the reception is usually located near the bottle return. Acceptable batteries and accumulators include, for example:

  • alkaline batteries (standard disposable batteries: including AA and AAA button cells, coin cells and 9V snap-on batteries)
  • lithium batteries (standard disposable batteries: including AA-cell batteries and 9V button batteries)
  • button batteries
  • nickel-metal hydride batteries (rechargeable batteries and batteries for cordless tools, etc.)
  • nickel-cadmium batteries (batteries for cordless tools, etc.)
  • small lithium batteries (batteries for mobile phones, laptops, power banks, cameras and cordless tools, among others)
  • small sealed lead-acid batteries (batteries for UPS, solar cell and alarm systems, etc.)

 

What batteries and accumulators EI accepted in regular stores:

  • Large lithium batteries > such as batteries for electric bicycles, balance boards, mopeds, ATVs and ride-on lawnmowers, you can return them to the Kooninkeita sorting station or the Honkajoki wastewater treatment plant. Other regional collection points can be found at: kierrätys.info.
  • Vehicle batteries > Car scrapyards, Kooninkeitaan sorting station and Honkajoki wastewater treatment plant, as well as other collection points can be found at: kierrätys.info or autokierratys.fi
  • Electric vehicle propulsion batteries > The collection points for electric vehicle traction batteries are authorized car brand service centers and the Finnish Auto Recycling's collection points for scrap vehicles. More information about car recycling on the website.
  • Automotive lithium starter batteries > Contact the importer for recycling instructions.
  • Electric motorcycle propulsion batteries > Contact the importer for recycling instructions.
  • Large batteries designed exclusively for industrial or professional use > Contact the importer for recycling instructions.
  • Lead-acid batteries, such as starter batteries for cars, motorcycles, mopeds and other vehicles, lead-based industrial batteries and boat batteries. A lead-acid battery can be distinguished from other batteries by the Pb marking on it and its heavy weight. Portable lead-acid batteries are placed in the Battery Recycling bin and larger ones are returned From the Kierrätys.info search service to the collection points available.

What happens to the batteries?

The batteries are currently being sorted by Akkuser Oy in Nivala.

In total, over 50% of the raw materials contained in batteries and accumulators can be reused in industry. For example, magnetic iron recovered from alkaline batteries in the recycling process is processed in Finland into secondary raw materials for construction materials, cars and tools, among other things, and zinc can be recycled for use in the construction, car and pharmaceutical industries, among other things.

Recycled batteries in 2022: 80% alkaline batteries, 6% lithium-ion batteries, 7% lead-acid batteries and 7% others.

 

Source: Battery recycling websites referenced May 19, 2023.

Created: May 11, 2022, Updated May 22, 2026

Additional information and learning materials:

Paristokierratys.fi/kierratyspisteille/ohjemateriaalit

Tape the battery terminals