Australians buy enough batteries every year to circle planet Earth 2.3 times and 90 per cent of these have been going to landfill!

This is a big problem because batteries should never be placed in any regular rubbish or recycling bins where they can create sparks and ignite fires in the bin, in transport trucks or at the landfill. All batteries eventually corrode, and their hazardous contents end up in soils and waterways, causing damage to wildlife and people.

So, it’s never been more important or as easy to make the right choice when disposing of used batteries, whether at home, at work or at play. North East Waste (NE Waste) and their 7 Northern Rivers member councils are working with Australia’s official battery recycling scheme, B-cycle, to encourage Australians to correctly recycle any used batteries including from items such as power tools and toys.

Karen Rudkin, Project Coordinator at NE Waste said, “B-cycle creates a more responsible battery lifecycle because as a national, Government-backed Scheme, it brings together everyone from importers and retailers to everyday Australians, to prevent unsafe battery disposal and stop batteries going to waste”.

“Some confusion may come from the fact that some batteries are sold as reusable or rechargeable, however under no circumstances do they or any other battery belong in the kerbside recycling or waste stream at their end of life”, Ms Rudkin said.

Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries are of particular concern due to their high volatility and their increasing use in many everyday appliances. Here’s how to dispose of used batteries safely.

• Remove batteries from appliance (if not embedded)
• Tape the terminals of batteries to prevent risk of fire
• Put them in a glass container and keep out of reach of children
• B-cycle them at the nearest Drop-off point located at your council’s Community Recycling Centre at newaste.org.au/crc or visit bcycle.com.au/drop-off/

For further battery safety information visit: bcycle.com.au/how-you-can-b-cycle/battery-safety/

This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy initiative, funded from the waste levy.