Proper battery disposal

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Batteries DO NOT BELONG in any of your bins 

They pose significant risks when not disposed of correctly.

  • Batteries can spark fires.
  • They can become a safety hazard to our truck drivers and waste operators.  
  • If they end up in landfill, they can leak toxic materials into our waterways and ecosystems.  

How to dispose of household batteries

Regular AA and other sizes

WHAT ARE THEY WHERE TO TAKE THEM

Everyday standard sized batteries such as AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, 6V that are used to power household devices

Drop off for free at your closest B-cycle drop off point or your local waste transfer station

B-cycle drop off points
Waste facility locations

Button batteries

WHAT ARE THEY WHERE TO TAKE THEM

Small coin-sized batteries such as CR2032, CR 2025, LR44 that are used to power hearing aids, watches and other household devices

WARNING: Button batteries can cause serious injury if swallowed. Always store them in a sealed container out of reach of children.

Drop off for free at your closest B-cycle drop off point or your local waste transfer station

B-cycle drop off points
Waste facility locations

Easily removable rechargeable batteries

WHAT ARE THEY  WHERE TO TAKE THEM
Rechargeable batteries that can be removed from the device, such as those found in power tools and digital cameras

Drop off for free at your closest B-cycle drop off point (batteries under 5kg only) or your local waste transfer station

B-cycle drop off points
Waste facility locations

Car batteries

WHAT ARE THEY  WHERE TO TAKE THEM 
Lead-acid batteries used to power vehicles

Drop off for free at your local waste transfer station

Waste facility locations

Embedded batteries

WHAT TO DO  WHERE TO TAKE THEM
Batteries that are enclosed in products and cannot be easily removed.

Common products to find embedded batteries in are:

  • Bluetooth speakers and headphones
  • Electric toothbrushes
  • E-scooters, e-bikes and hover boards
  • Flashing/light up toys – particularly wands or other hard plastic products
  • Personal care devices (e.g. shavers)
  • Power packs and portable charging devices
  • Remote controlled and ride-on toys
  • Vacuum cleaners (cordless hand-held and robotic)
  • Vapes
  • Wearable devices such as smart watches, trackers and medical aids.

You can find more information on embedded batteries at Embedded Batteries (nsw.gov.au).

Drop off for free at Port Macquarie Waste Transfer station

Waste facility locations


Vapes

WHAT ARE THEY WHERE TO TAKE THEM

Disposable vape where the battery cannot be removed

If you have a reusable vape, remove the spent battery and recycle as per battery type.


Drop off for free at any of the following waste transfer stations:

  • Port Macquarie (Kingfisher Road)
  • Cairncross
  • Wauchope
  • Kew

Waste facility locations

                  

 

Safe battery handling and storage tips

Tape the terminals

Tape the terminals to prevent sparks which can lead to fires. Use a clear tape on both sides.  

Different kinds of batteries have terminals in different places.

You can refer to B-Cycle for specific instructions on how to tape different kinds of batteries. 

Order your free reusable battery box

This helps you store your spent household batteries until you can take them to a registered drop off location.  

You can pick one up from one of our Customer Service counters or order one here

Battery storage tips

  • You can store used batteries in your free reusable battery box or in a glass container. Make sure storage is not airtight, so pressure does not build up.

  • DO NOT store batteries in a metal container, or with metal objects, because it can become a fire hazard.  

  • Keep batteries away from heat sources, like stoves, and make sure it is stored in a cool, dry place.  

  • Place leaking batteries in a zip lock bag before taking it to a drop off point. Damaged batteries should be secured in a fireproof container or blanket. 

  • Button batteries can cause serious injury if swallowed. Always store them in a sealed container out of reach of children.