Before placing 9V batteries and button cells in your collection cube or bringing them to a Bebat collection point, it’s best to tape off the poles.
Why is this necessary? The negative and positive poles on small button cells are very close to each other—just like the poles on 9V batteries are positioned right next to one another. When these batteries come into contact with each other or other metal objects in a collection cube or unit, it can cause a short circuit.
By putting tape on the poles of both types of batteries, you apply a protective layer and eliminate the risk of short circuits.
Tip: Preferably use transparent tape so that our colleagues at the sorting centre can clearly identify the batteries.
What do button cells and 9V batteries look like?
Button Cells
- Small, flat, and round – often the size of a coin (e.g., 10 cents).
- Used in watches, car keys, hearing aids, toys, calculators, ...
- The positive and negative poles are located on the top and bottom of the battery, very close to each other.
9V Batteries
- Rectangular shape, slightly larger than a matchbox.
- Often used in smoke detectors, remote controls, toys, or musical instruments.
- The two poles are side-by-side on one end of the battery, at the top.
More tips to handle batteries safely
What’s the best way to store your batteries safely at home? And what can you do if something does go wrong? Read all about it on our battery safety tips page.