In a statement to letsrecycle.com, the HSE said: "There is a risk that batteries can cause fires when they are disposed of, particularly when mixed in with other domestic waste materials. Local authorities usually provide separate arrangements for collecting old batteries.
"HSE would urge members of the public to safely dispose of batteries at recycling points. Disposing of batteries in waste collections can lead to the risk of injury to refuse workers and members of the public from fires and explosions."
The full article from LetsRecycle.com can be found here: http://www.letsrecycle.com/news/latest-news/hse-public-use-battery-recycling/