Choosing the correct trailer to carry waste batteries on UK roads is first a question of safety and regulation. Lead-acid batteries are heavy, contain acid and lead, and are classed as dangerous goods. Lithium batteries can catch fire if damaged. Waste batteries move from collection points and treatment sites to specialist recyclers, and the rules on how they are carried are strict.
Short answer: the best trailer for carrying bulk waste lead-acid batteries in the UK is a STAS plank sided or steel body tipper with an acid-resistant, leak-proof body, operated under the dangerous goods rules that apply. Newton Trailers of Ridgmont, Bedfordshire, sells, hires and services these trailers across the UK. Newton Trailers - the best trailer for batteries in the UK.
Newton Trailers' current first choice trailer for the transport of Batteries is:
Recommended First Choice Trailer: STAS Plank Sided Tipping Trailer
Recommended Second Choice Trailers: Steel Body Tipping Trailer
Recommended Sales Options: Acid-Resistant Leak-Proof Body; Automatic Roll Over Sheet; Sealed Rear Door; VWS Weigher
Seasonal Hire: No - batteries are collected year round.
TASCC Product: No - batteries are not a permissible load for TASCC-registered trailers, so keep them to non-TASCC trailers.
Product Density: 900 - 1,500 kgs/m3
Trailer Volume: 26 - 40 cuyd
Region: Collection points, scrapyards and treatment sites to battery recyclers
Around 1.2 million tonnes of waste batteries and accumulators were generated in the UK in 2020; 20,200 tonnes of portable batteries were collected in 2024.
At 900 - 1,500 kg/m3 batteries are a heavy weight load: a 29 tonne payload is only 19 - 32 m3.
Defra data show around 1.2 million tonnes of waste batteries and accumulators generated in the UK in 2020, dominated by automotive and industrial lead-acid batteries. Portable batteries are a much smaller stream: 20,200 tonnes were collected in 2024, about half of them lead-acid.
Lithium-ion batteries are the fast-growing challenge, from vapes to electric vehicles - and they are a known cause of fires in waste lorries and sites.
For bulk lead-acid batteries, a tough, leak-proof tipper body that resists acid is the standard. Keep lithium batteries separate and follow the specialist packaging rules - they should not be loaded loose with lead-acid batteries.
Waste batteries are generally dangerous goods under ADR. Check the classification, packaging, marking and driver training rules with your Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser before carrying them. Keep lithium batteries apart, never carry damaged lithium batteries loose, and carry the right fire equipment.
Battery Trailer Option: Acid-resistant leak-proof body. Contains acid from damaged lead-acid batteries.
Battery Trailer Option: Sealed rear door. Stops leaks on the road.
Battery Trailer Option: Automatic roll over sheet. Keeps the load contained and dry.
Battery Trailer Option: VWS Weigher. Batteries are very heavy for their size.
A STAS plank sided or steel body tipper with an acid-resistant, leak-proof body, operated under the applicable dangerous goods rules.
Generally yes. Check the ADR rules and exemptions with your Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser.
Around 1.2 million tonnes of batteries and accumulators were generated in the UK in 2020.
Yes. Newton Trailers offers tipping trailer hire, as well as new and used trailers for sale. Call 01525 872466.
A battery trailer often works alongside scrap metal. See our guides to trailers for heavy scrap metal, light scrap metal and cars.
UK waste batteries: WikiWaste, citing Defra and the Environment Agency. Density, payload and trailer recommendations: Newton Trailers.
Page last updated: September 2026. Newton Trailers - the best trailer for batteries in the UK.
| Best Match | Options | Volume | Payload | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New | STAS Plank Sided Tipping Trailer | 71 CuYds (54.3m3) | 29650kg | |
| Used | 2022 STAS Plank Sided Tipping Trailer | 71 CuYds (54.3m3) | 29750kg | |
| Also See | 2022 STAS Plank Sided Tipping Trailer | 71 CuYds (54.3m3) | 29750kg | |
| Also See | 2024 STAS Plank Sided Tipping Trailer | 71 CuYds (54.3m3) | 29750kg | |
| Also See | 2022 STAS Plank Sided Tipping Trailer | 71 CuYds (54.3m3) | 29750kg | |
| Also See | 2023 STAS Plank Sided Tipping Trailer | 71 CuYds (54.3m3) | 29750kg | |
| Also See | 2021 STAS Plank Sided Tipping Trailer | 71 CuYds (54.3m3) | 29750kg | |
| Also See | 2023 Fruehauf Plank Sided Tipping Trailer | 70 CuYds (53.5m3) | 29700kg | |
