To have thrown a bunch of smashed up old mobile phones in the bin

[Pavementworrier]

Sims removed but otherwise just as they were

I'd been keeping of them to "destroy securely" but they're driving me insane around the house so enough was enough

Will I get digitally kidnapped now? They were really old and shit phones.

I think the OP may believe they are exempt from looking at that or not understanding….

I mean, why read the instructions......? 😉

🤣

This

Some councils do make it quite clear that batteries can’t be binned.

Hrrft but batteries have been around much longer than a decade, what do you think happened to batteries before that?

Lithium batteries causing fires is well known on recent years but I suspect your average Aaa isn't implicated the same way.

Sure plenty of toys with batteries still inside get into the bin. Yes your average Mn probably is aware evenif they dont actually recycle batteries, the outside world particularly 50+ may not be.

The rules and labelling about never putting batteries in the bin have been around for at least 26 years (based on a job I started then). See also picking up dog mess and not dropping cigarette butts.

I would do the same. Forget it. 👍

The 1991 regulatory situation (from Wiki)

Provisions of the first directive
The 1991 battery Directive's "Article 3; MI; Annex I" stated the prohibition (with exceptions) of marketing:

1. Batteries on the market after 18 September 1992 with:
2. 1.A. more than 25 mg of mercury per cell, except alkaline manganese batteries
3. 1.B. more than 0.025% cadmium by weight
4. 1.C. more than 0.4% lead by weight
5. Alkaline manganese batteries placed on the market after 18 September 1992 containing more than 0.025% of mercury by weight
6. Batteries on the market after 1 January 1999 with more than 0.0005% mercury by weight[6]

Since battery recycling rates then were about 5% the directive sought to improve these rates. It set up recycling goals: separate collection and recycling, and provide recycling/collection information to the consumer. The responsibility for providing separated recycling collection was largely given to the manufacturers. Recycling requirements are found in Articles 4, 6, and 7.
There were marking provisions, including manufacturer responsibility for marking on the battery products themselves the contained substances and recycling information.

35 years ago

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp81pe1p393o

she didn't realise that kids battery operated toys had batteries in?????