Even when I lived in London (where all recycling went into the same bin) batteries were not accepted.
BUT many shops have their own battery recycling points now.
Off the top of my head, I've walked past them in Tesco, Sainsbury's, WHSmith, Boots.
I assume there is some value in it.

What I respect more is that the above named stores also recycle Christmas cards. I don't expect there is any real profit in that, but it's better than going into landfill.

Bit of thread drift - anyone read the new James Bond by Jeffery Deaver?
Carte Blanche.

You're probably right about hard fill and scrap metal. But, my understanding of how it works here is that they don't really care. What seems to make them money is a combination of questionable contracts with the city and high volume. They call it all "green" and get EPA grants on the ground that a small amount of the energy involved is converted into hot steam and/or electricity.

I'm only familiar with the incinerator situation in Detroit, and I'm projecting that skepticism fairly broadly, I admit. But, the profit margins on recycling are pretty slim. It seems easier to me to just say, 'fuck it, burn it all' and sell whatever is left as hard fill.

Detroit is special.

Not sure if everyone will think this is relevant but I do. If you have never watched this it is really quite good.

I was raking my leaves tonight, after a day of doing everyone else's. We have huge wheelie bins for compost. THEY NEED TO HAVE CUPHOLDERS. (for my beer) That is all.