BATTERIES
The collected batteries are sent to B-cycle for recycling.
Batteries that are recycled are processed to recover the plastics and metals, some of which are used to manufacture new batteries.
Envirostream, Australia’s first onshore lithium, nickel metal and alkaline battery processor, is able to recover 95% of the materials in the batteries for recycling. Any steel, copper and aluminium recovered is returned to the manufacturing sector for recycling, while the active components of lithium-ion batteries (including graphite, cobalt, nickel and lithium) are used to produce a valuable product called mixed metal dust, which is used to produce new lithium-ion batteries.
DIFFERENT KINDS OF BATTERIES
Single-use batteries are usually alkaline batteries with zinc, manganese or lithium chemistry. Rechargeable batteries are commonly nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride or lithium-ion. Rechargeable batteries are found in the same shapes and voltage as single-use batteries, as well as specifically designed for laptops, mobile phones and electronic equipment.
Buying rechargeable batteries is a great 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.
OTHER BATTERY RECYCLING PROGRAMS
Mobile phone batteries are accepted by MobileMuster, with thousands of recycling locations located across the country. Find recycling options for mobile phones.
Computer batteries are accepted in some Officeworks stores. They can also be recycled through an accredited recycler of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. Find recycling options for computers.
Car batteries can be recycled at many garages, transfer stations and waste management centres. Find recycling options for car batteries.
More information
To learn about Australia’s product stewardship scheme for batteries, including more information on how to tape and safely store batteries, visit B-cycle.