Batteries

Don’t bin batteries

Batteries must never go in household waste or recycling bins.

It only takes one battery to spark a fire. When batteries are compressed and crushed in waste collection trucks and facilities, they can spark fires putting staff lives, collection trucks, facilities and the environment at risk.

What to do with your unwanted batteries

Drop off eligible household batteries for free. There are over 80 B-cycle drop off points conveniently located around Canberra. B-cycle is a national, government-backed battery recycling scheme. Find your closest B-cycle drop off point.

View all battery disposal options in the ACT.

Safety

Most damaged or fire affected household batteries can be disposed of safely through the free hazardous waste collection area at the ACT Government Resource Management Centres.

For added safety when storing used batteries, you may want to consider the following:

• Tape the ends (terminals) of used batteries to prevent them sparking and catching fire.
• Store used batteries in a fire resistant container in a cool dry place away from heat sources like stoves.
• Keep batteries away from children, especially small batteries that can be swallowed.
• Charge reusable lithium-ion batteries with reputable chargers and brands, preferably the charging cord or equipment supplied with the product.
• Where possible remove lithium-ion batteries from products before disposing and recycle at a battery drop off point.

Batteries contain toxic materials and should always be handled safely. Learn about battery safety at B-cycle.

Resources

• Don't bin batteries poster (PDF 300.4 KB)
• Don't bin batteries flyer (PDF 728.6 KB)
• Do not put batteries in the bin Easy English booklet (PDF 564.5 KB)

Video