Hazardous Battery Disposal in Glasgow
Safe collection of lead-acid, large lithium-ion and damaged batteries from garages, fleets, sites and businesses across Glasgow, through licensed local partners.
Batteries come in every size, but the ones on this page are the heavy and higher-risk end of the scale: vehicle and plant lead-acid batteries, standby and UPS batteries, large lithium-ion packs from e-bikes, scooters and storage systems, and any battery that is swollen, damaged or leaking.
Lead-acid batteries and damaged lithium batteries are treated as special waste in Scotland and must be packaged and transported safely, with a consignment note provided by the licensed partner. Skips Glasgow arranges these collections across Glasgow through our partner network.
If you have commercial quantities of smaller, undamaged batteries for recycling, see our battery recycling service instead. Please share safety data sheets (SDS) where available, photographs, approximate quantities, packaging details and the collection address via the quote form on this page.
Battery disposal or battery recycling?
Both services lead to batteries being recovered properly, but they suit different situations. This page covers hazardous batteries that need careful handling and transport: lead-acid units containing acid and lead, large lithium packs, and any battery that is damaged, swollen, overheating or leaking.
Our battery recycling page, part of our WEEE collection services, covers commercial quantities of everyday portable batteries collected for recycling. If you are not sure which applies, tell us what you have and we will point you in the right direction.
Safe storage and transport
Damaged lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire without warning, and lead-acid batteries can leak corrosive acid. Until collection:
- Store batteries upright on a non-combustible surface, away from heat
- Tape over exposed terminals to prevent short circuits
- Keep damaged or swollen batteries apart from other items
- Stand lead-acid batteries in a tray to contain leaks
- Never put batteries in a skip or general bin
The partner will confirm packaging, which may include specialist containers for damaged lithium units. Batteries must be packed so they cannot move, short or be crushed in transit.
Who uses this service
Garages, fleet and plant operators, forklift users in warehouses around Hillington and Queenslie, data centres replacing UPS batteries, e-bike shops and delivery businesses all generate hazardous batteries. Collections are arranged across Glasgow and surrounding areas, subject to availability. Request a quote via the form or contact us.
Householders with a single damaged e-bike battery or an old car battery can also get in touch, although it may be quicker to check what your local council recycling centre accepts. For larger quantities, or anything swollen or leaking, our partners can advise on safe packaging.
Batteries we can arrange collection for
- Car, van and truck lead-acid batteries
- Forklift and traction batteries
- UPS and standby batteries
- E-bike and e-scooter packs
- Damaged or swollen lithium batteries
- Battery storage system units (on assessment)
Please don’t
- Put batteries in a skip or bin
- Leave terminals exposed
- Store damaged lithium batteries indoors near exits
- Drain or open battery casings
Not sure? See what can go in a skip or ask us when you book.
Ideal for
- Garages and fleets
- Warehouses and forklift users
- Data centres and IT rooms
- E-bike retailers
- Plant hire
Battery Disposal – your questions answered
Can’t see your question? Call 0333 121 1056 or send us a message.
What is the difference between battery disposal and battery recycling?
This page covers hazardous batteries such as lead-acid units and large or damaged lithium packs, which need careful handling and special waste paperwork. Our battery recycling service covers commercial quantities of everyday batteries for recycling.
What should I do with a swollen lithium battery?
Stop using and charging it, keep it away from flammable materials, ideally outdoors or in a fire-resistant container, and arrange collection. Mention the damage clearly so the partner can bring suitable packaging.
Are car batteries special waste in Scotland?
Yes, lead-acid batteries are generally treated as special waste because of the lead and acid they contain. The licensed partner provides the consignment note when collecting them. Keep them upright and dry until they are uplifted.
What details do you need?
Battery type and chemistry, quantities, approximate sizes or weights, photos, condition, any SDS for large packs, how they are packaged and the collection address. Send these through the quote form on this page.
Get a free, no-obligation quote
Tell us what you need, where and when. Photos, data sheets or site plans help us price accurately – our licensed local partners do the rest.
Skips Glasgow provides skip hire, waste collection, recycling and construction support across Glasgow through Waste Cloud’s network of licensed local partners.