Can you recycle power banks?
Portable power banks are essentially large lithium batteries in a case and follow strict battery rules: never in general waste or recycling. Take them to battery collection points at supermarkets or the recycling centre's battery container. A swollen or hot power bank should go straight to the recycling centre — don't post it or leave it charging.
Tips
- Treat like a big battery, not a gadget
- Swollen = urgent, careful disposal — not the drawer
Which bin does it go in?
Battery/WEEE collection points — never any household bin
Background: Batteries, vapes & electricals: the fire-risk items.
Also searched as: portable chargers, battery packs.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?
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