Where do I throw dead batteries?
PEE-leh eh-sow-REE-teh — pile is the Italian for batteries (domestic size); pila is singular.
Use this whenever you have used-up batteries to dispose of. Batteries cannot go in any regular household bin — they require a dedicated drop-off point, which is common in supermarkets and electronics shops.
Pile esaurite (spent/dead batteries) must be separated from all household waste streams because they contain heavy metals. Italy mandates specific collection points. The word pile refers to portable batteries; accumulatori or batterie are used for larger rechargeable packs.
Ci sono contenitori per le batterie al supermercato.
There are battery containers at the supermarket.
Practical information; most large supermarkets have a battery collection box near the entrance.
Non buttare mai le pile nel normale bidone.
Never throw batteries in the normal bin.
A warning; useful for teaching children or new residents.
Le pile vanno all'isola ecologica.
Batteries go to the recycling centre.
Alternative if no local collection point is available.
Italy has a take-back scheme called RAEE (Rifiuti di Apparecchiature Elettriche ed Elettroniche) — the equivalent of WEEE in English. Under the 'one for one' rule, when you buy a new electrical item, the retailer must accept your old equivalent item for free recycling.