Disposing of batteries safely

Batteries by themselves are not usually dangerous, but when they are placed in kerbside bins and are combined with other materials and crushed, the risks of fires starting – in waste collection trucks and at waste facilities – increases greatly.

In just the last few years, batteries have been the cause of nearly 10,000 fires and fire events reported by the waste and recycling industry across Australia.

As more and more of our electronic devices come with embedded and non-removable batteries, this fire risk is increasing.

Embedded batteries

Embedded batteries are non-removable power sources, often sealed inside rechargeable electronic devices. Common products that contain embedded batteries include electric toothbrushes, wireless headphones and speakers and vape pens.

Embedded batteries are becoming increasingly common in households, but once they're no longer working they are difficult to recycle, and can be extremely hazardous if handled incorrectly at end-of-life.

To support the safe disposal of embedded battery products, Green Industries SA has partnered with Adelaide Hills Regional Waste Management Authority, Northern Adelaide Waste Management Authority, City of Campbelltown, and City of West Torrens to open 4 free permanent embedded battery collection points.

Embedded battery drop-off locations

  • Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre
    181 Morphett Road, North Plympton
    Opening hours:
    • Monday to Friday, 7 am to 4 pm
    • Saturday, 8 am to 3 pm
    • Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm

  • Campbelltown Works Depot
    6 Newton Road, Campbelltown
    Opening hours:
    • Monday to Friday, 8 am to 12 pm

  • Heathfield Resource Recovery Centre
    32 Scott Creek Road, Heathfield
    Opening hours:
    • Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm
    • Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm

  • NAWMA Resource Recovery Centre
    Gate 3, Bellchambers Road, Edinburgh North
    Opening hours:
    • Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm
    • Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm

FAQs

     
  • What kind of battery products are accepted at the sites?

    Accepted embedded battery items include:

    • bluetooth speakers and headphones
    • electric toothbrushes
    • e-scooters and hover boards
    • e-bike batteries
    • flashing/light up toys – particularly wands or other hard plastic products
    • personal care devices (such as shavers and massagers)
    • powerpacks and portable charging devices
    • remote controlled and ride-on toys
    • vacuum cleaners (such as cordless, hand-held and robotic)
    • vapes and e-cigarettes
    • lighting products such as tealight candles, lanterns and torches
    • wearable devices such as smart watches, trackers and medical aids.


    Weight limits

    The Campbelltown Works Depot has a weight limit of 15 kg for individual items and items bundled together.


    The Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre, Heathfield Resource Recovery Centre and NAWMA Resource Recovery Centre have a weight limit of 20 kg for individual items and items bundled together.

  • What happens with the collected products?

    Materials collected at the sites will be transported by Cleanaway to the EcoCycle processing facility in Victoria.

     

    At the processing facility, the materials will go through a separation process, where the battery components will be removed from each item. From there, the batteries and non-battery materials will go on to be recycled and turned into new products.

     

    Batteries contain recyclable materials and metals like copper, aluminium, manganese, zinc, lithium, cobalt and steel that have many uses in manufacturing, especially electronics. Recycling these materials avoids the need to mine and refine virgin rare earth materials contributing to a more circular economy.

Loose batteries

As with embedded batteries, loose batteries – such as AA, AAA, C D, 9V, 6V and button batteries – also become hazardous when placed in any of your 3 kerbside bins.

Free collection points for standard loose batteries are available at your local Aldi, Bunnings, Coles, Foodland, IGA and Woolworths stores.

Other B-cycle accredited drop-off locations can also be found on the B-cycle website.

Many local councils also accept loose batteries. You can look up your local council to confirm if they offer any battery drop-off options.

Once your battery is used, remember to tape both ends of the battery terminals and store them in a safe location, out of reach of children, before dropping them off at your nearest  collection point.