WHICH BIN TIPS

Drop it off: batteries

Batteries are hazardous and can produce sparks that may start a fire in collection trucks or at the MRF.

Batteries should never be placed in your yellow recycling bin – but they can still be recycled by taking them to a free drop-off point.

When batteries are recycled correctly, valuable materials like magnesium and zinc can be removed for use in new products. 

Recycling batteries also keeps toxic materials, like cadmium, mercury and lead, out of landfill where they can contaminate the soil and groundwater.

Free drop-off points

B-cycle Battery Recycling

B-cycle Battery Recycling has thousands of drop-off locations across Australia. Find your closest one.

These drop-off locations accept:

  • standard batteries used to power household items, such as AA, AAA, C, D, 9V and 6V
  • button batteries used to power devices such as hearing aids, remote controls and watches
  • standard size handheld rechargeable batteries of all chemistry types
  • easily removable batteries, such as those from power tools, e‑bikes and digital cameras.

They do not accept:

  • mobile phone batteries
  • laptop or TV batteries
  • lead acid batteries
  • exit lighting.

Your local council

Many councils offer a free battery drop-off service. Give your local council a call to find out if they’re participating, and where locations are.

Officeworks

Participating Officeworks stores have free drop-off points for battery recycling, accepting any brand of AA, AAA, C, D and 9V batteries, as well as mobile phone and laptop batteries.

Use the Officeworks store locator to see if your local store accepts batteries for recycling.

Bunnings

All Bunnings stores have free drop-off points, designed to accept household single-use and rechargeable batteries, including:

  • AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, 6V
  • power tool batteries
  • button cell batteries
  • other handheld sized batteries that fit into the collection unit slot.

Find your nearest store.

Household hazardous waste facilities

Household hazardous waste facilities also accept batteries. Find your nearest location.

Automotive (lead acid) batteries

Automotive, or lead acid batteries can be recycled at auto part retailers and service stations.

Safely storing batteries

  • Place sticky tape over the battery terminals (the electrical connection point of the battery)
  • Store batteries in a glass container, making sure it’s not air-tight, as pressure can build up
  • Never store batteries in a metal container, or with metal objects, as they can spark and start a fire
  • Keep the batteries in a cool, dry place – away from any heat sources, like a stove
  • Keep the batteries away from children, and tape together small batteries, like button batteries, to prevent them from being swallowed

If you can’t drop your batteries off

If you can’t drop your batteries off, they can be placed in your landfill bin – except for lead acid batteries, which must be recycled at an auto part retailer or service station.

Before placing any batteries in your landfill bin, it’s very important to place sticky tape around the battery terminal.