Batteries


Orange Don't bin batteries banner

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 60 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.

Household batteries 

Household batteries include single use and rechargeable AAA, AA, C and D size, 9V and button batteries (like those used in watches), rechargeable batteries and some easily removable batteries such as digital camera or power tool batteries. Eligible household batteries can be dropped off for free at accredited B-cycle drop-off points. Please check your type of battery is accepted before dropping off.

Store your unwanted household batteries somewhere safe and drop them off when visiting any one of the 60 convenient locations such as local supermarkets, hardware stores, ACT Container Deposit Scheme depots and more. Find your nearest location here.

You can also drop batteries off for free at the hazardous waste area of the ACT Government Resource Management Centres.

Embedded batteries and e-waste

Many items we use every day have embedded batteries. Examples include electric toothbrushes, wireless headphones, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, watches, toys, cordless tools, electric shavers and much more.

Items with embedded batteries should not go in household waste or recycling bins. When these items 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.

Drop items with embedded batteries off for free at the hazardous waste or e-waste area of the ACT Government Resource Management Centres.

Some types of batteries can be recycled through their own collection schemes:

If you are unsure about what to do with your unwanted batteries you can search the Recyclopaedia for different battery types and items.

E-bike and e-scooters

E-bike and e-scooter batteries must never go in household waste or recycling bins. Find your closest drop off point using the B-cycle website and call ahead to confirm if they are able to accept these.

All batteries can be dropped off and disposed for free at the hazardous waste area at the ACT Government Resource Management Centres.

If you are unsure about what to do with your unwanted batteries you can search the Recyclopaedia for different battery types and items.

Electric vehicle (EV) and household solar energy storage batteries

EV batteries and household solar energy storage batteries are not currently accepted by the B-cycle program. Talk with your supplier regarding the best disposal option for these products.

Safety

All damaged or fire affected batteries must 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:

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

Contact

For battery related enquiries please contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or B-cycle via email at contact@bcycle.com.au or call 1300 853 820.

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.