Lithium-ion battery waste in Australia could exceed 100,000 tonnes by 2036.
Batteries are a common form of household hazardous waste. They should never be put in your recycling or waste bin as they can cause fires in garbage trucks and waste facilities.
When disposed in landfill, batteries release toxins, including heavy metals such as nickel, cadmium and mercury that leak into the soil and groundwater. These materials pose harmful risks to human, animal and plant life when contaminating waterways and precious ecosystems via landfill.
Sending batteries to landfill is a waste of valuable resources. As outlined by the Association for the Battery Recycling Industry, materials such as lead, cadmium, mercury, lithium, manganese, nickel and zinc are used to make batteries. These materials are all non-renewable, and valuable – they can be recycled an indefinite number of times!
Batteries shouldn’t go in your kerbside bin, nor should they be left around the house – but you can recycle them via B-Cycle, or any other participating battery recycling drop-off point.
To support battery recycling, be sure to buy batteries with the B-cycle logo. Remember to buy rechargeable and recyclable batteries whenever you can. The purchase price of these batteries includes recycling at end of life. Fire agencies also have information on battery safety and charging.
The good news is that if recycled, 95% of the components of a battery can be turned into new batteries or used in other industries. By recycling your batteries, you’re actively taking part in the circular economy, while keeping your community safe, and contributing raw materials for new batteries.
B-Cycle accept household batteries, from most hand-held items including AA, AAA, C, D, 9V and 6V lantern, button batteries from devices such as watches and hearing aids, rechargeable batteries up to 5kg and easily removeable batteries. For more information visit www.bcycle.com.au.
For all other battery types, including mobile phone batteries, laptop or TV batteries, lead acid batteries and larger batteries, use Recycle Mate to identify your nearest drop-off point – at community recycling centres, participating Officeworks stores, or transfer stations.
HOW TO RECYCLE YOUR BATTERIES
By recycling batteries, you can be part of the solution to a growing waste problem.
Transport the container directly to the battery drop-off point, ensuring it is not left unattended in a vehicle at any time.
Can you reduce the number of batteries you use? Minimise battery usage by connecting appliances to the mains power where possible. Always use the correct charging equipment for your appliance and make sure you check that the charging equipment meets relevant Australian standards.
Buying rechargeable batteries is an important way to reduce battery waste. Each battery can be recharged up to 1000 times, saving you money, and reducing pollution from discarded batteries. There are many retailers who sell battery rechargers, which conveniently take less than 15 minutes to recharge. Always use the correct charging equipment for your appliance. Check that the charging equipment meets relevant Australian standards.
ABRI promotes the responsible environmental management of batteries at end of life. More information can be found on their website.
98% of the components of a lead acid battery can be reclaimed for recycling – so make sure you return your vehicle battery to your nearest Century drop off centre.
For commercial battery recycling solutions visit the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative and search for a recycler by battery type and state/territory:
NSW is leading the way when it comes to battery recycling. A mandatory product stewardship scheme for batteries is being introduced in NSW requiring battery suppliers to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products. This is great news!
Clean Up Australia advocates for a mandatory product stewardship scheme for batteries to be implemented nationwide.
