Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is to tackle the theme of 'Hazardous Waste' in this year's European Week for Waste Reduction.

Taking part in this year's campaign from 17-25 November, the council will help promote the safe recycling of batteries via a daily Facebook competition.

They will promote rechargeable batteries, which can be reused up to 1,500 times, significantly reducing waste and saving money for the user.

Councillor Janet Gray MBE, Chair of the Council's Environmental Services Committee, said: "Our residents are already proactive in recycling of waste and this really makes a difference! We support initiatives like EWWR to remind residents of the positive effects of recycling their waste. The support of ERP this year to raise the awareness of how to responsibly dispose of batteries; and to encourage our residents to use recyclable batteries in their radios, toys, doorbells, alarm clocks and remote controls is great.

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"Batteries can be recycled at our three Household Recycling Centres or return them to retailers that have battery recycling banks. Most retailers who sell batteries will also take them back for recycling, just ask a member of staff.  It is very important that batteries are not placed in landfill bins as they contain dangerous chemicals like lead, zinc and lithium. If placed in landfill these chemicals may leak into the ground as the batteries corrode causing soil and water pollution. Chemical contamination of soil and water can harm animals, humans and the environment."

(CM/MH)