Batteries
Batteries and devices with built-in batteries, such as mobile phones and toys, are hazardous waste and must not go in your household bins. Batteries must be recycled through specialised battery recycling programs.
Disposal options
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 at any of the more than 80 locations such as local supermarkets, hardware stores, ACT Container Deposit Scheme depots and more. Find your nearest B-cycle location.
You can also drop batteries off for free at the hazardous waste area of the ACT Government Resource Management Centres at Mitchell and Mugga Lane.
The Bunnings Warehouse battery recycling program also accepts a broader range of household batteries, including power tool batteries.
Embedded batteries or built-in batteries
Many items we use every day have embedded or built-in batteries. Examples include electric toothbrushes, wireless headphones, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, watches, toys, cordless tools, vapes, electric shavers, portable powerbanks and much more.
Items with embedded batteries must not go in household 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 off most items with embedded batteries for free at the hazardous waste or e-waste area of the ACT Government Resource Management Centres.
Some items containing batteries can be recycled through their own collection schemes:
Trade in selected devices with built-in batteries at some electronic retailers, such as:
Exit sign batteries can be recycled through the Exit Cycle program.
If you are unsure about what to do with other electrical accessories you can search the A-Z Guide for more information.
E-bike and e-scooters
E-bike and e-scooter batteries must never go in household 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 residential e-bike and e-scooter batteries can be dropped off for free at the hazardous waste area at the ACT Government Resource Management Centres.
Electric vehicle batteries
EV Lithium-ion batteriesare the main batteries to power an electric motor used in electric vehicles (EVs).Hybrids (HEVs) battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), mild hybrid electric vehicles (mHEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), should be recycled and transported by specialist recyclers. Talk with the manufacturer, supplier, auto electrician or dealership about the best disposal option for these products.
These types of batteries are not currently accepted by the B-cycle program and are not accepted at ACT resource management centres.
Car and other vehicle batteries
- Car lead-acid batteries can be dropped off and disposed for free at the hazardous waste area at the ACT Government Resource Management Centres.
- Car lead-acid batteries, such as truck, motorbike and boat batteries, are covered by a product stewardship scheme operated by the Association for the Battery Recycling Industry (ABRI). Find your closest drop-off point on the ABRI page. In the ACT, this may include:
- Used lead acid batteries may also be accepted by some mechanics and scrap metal dealers. Contact the business directly to confirm.
- Caravan batteries are not accepted at ACT Government Resource Management Centres. Contact the original supplier to arrange disposal
Household solar battery energy storage systems and other industrial batteries
Household solar battery energy storage system (BESS) batteries and other industrial batteries are not currently accepted by the B-cycle program andare not accepted at ACT resource management centres. Contact the original supplier to arrange disposal or
Contact Environmental Treatment Solutions (ETS) to arrange collection (fees may apply).
Safety
- Don’t bin batteries is an ACT Government campaign to help raise awareness about safely disposing batteries and items containing batteries.
- Find out more about lithium-ion battery fire safety via the ACT Emergency Services Agency.
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.
- Batteries contain toxic materials and should always be handled safely. Learn about battery safety at B-cycle.
Related items
This may include batteries; household batteries; toy batteries; hazardous waste; dry cell; 9 Volt; 9V; coin battery; lantern battery; AAA; AA; power tool batteries; alkaline batteries; hearing aid batteries; hearing aid battery; button batteries; button battery; electronic cigarette battery; Vape; vaporizer battery; tool battery; B-cycle; lithium-ion ; lithium batteries; Envirostream; exit sign batteries; exit sign; e-bike; e-scooter; power tool battery; lead acid battery; car battery; computer; laptop; mobile phone; Battery World; solar; vehicle; EV; BESS.