Build a battery recycling bin

Help prevent fires and protect the environment by keeping used batteries out of your household waste.

Make a battery recycling bin for your home using our printable templates and designs, or upcycle an empty container and create your own design.

Templates and designs

How to build your battery bin

What you need

  • 2 sheets of cardboard
  • scissors
  • non-toxic glue

To build the box

  • print the box template
  • line this up with your cardboard sheet and cut around the outside
  • cut along the red lines
  • fold inward along the dotted lines
  • slot each square corner into the side with the same number, and glue these together
  • allow the glue to fully dry before decorating

 To build the lid

  • print the lid template 
  • line this up with your cardboard sheet and cut around the outside 
  • cut along the red lines - the slot in the middle will be where you put your batteries 
  • fold inward along the dotted lines 
  • slot each square corner into the side with the same number, and glue these together 
  • allow the glue to fully dry before decorating

Upcycle an empty container

You can turn everyday household items into a battery recycling bin, including:

  • a cereal box
  • a shoe box
  • an empty milk carton
  • a tissue box
  • an ice cream tub
  • a coffee tin

Safety tips

When using your battery recycling bin:

  • keep it out of reach of young children and pets
  • store it in a cool, dry place away from heat sources
  • keep it away from direct sunlight
  • never put damaged, leaking or swollen batteries in the bin
  • cover the terminals of lithium and 9-volt batteries with clear tape before storing them
  • take batteries to a recycling point regularly and do not let the bin overfill

Using your battery bin

Simply tip the contents of your battery bin into a separate bag each week and put it on top of or next to your wheelie bin on collection day. 

If the batteries are not collected, take them back inside and put them out again on your next collection day.

Share your battery bin

Email photos of your battery recycling bin to communications@norwich.gov.uk and we’ll share them on social media to inspire others.

You can also share your photos using #BatteryBinNorwich to help spread the message and encourage more people to recycle their batteries safely.

Together, we can help keep our communities safer and greener.