There is a wide range of battery types, many of which contain toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead. Other valuable materials, like magnesium and zinc.
Recycling batteries keeps toxic materials out of landfill where they can contaminate the soil and groundwater. It also ensures the valuable materials in batteries are recycled into something new, which reduces the amount of finite natural resources used in the production of new batteries.
Batteries that are recycled are processed to recover the plastics and metals, some of which are used to manufacture new batteries.
Even dead batteries have some residual charge, so it is very important to place sticky tape around the battery terminal before recycling them. A battery terminal is the electrical connection point of the battery. They are located in different areas depending on the type of battery (at both ends of regular batteries, for example).
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, and 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. Many retailers sell battery rechargers, which conveniently take less than 15 minutes to recharge.
Mobile phone batteries are accepted by MobileMuster at thousands of recycling locations across the country.
Computer batteries can be recycled through an accredited recycler of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.
Lead-acid batteries like car batteries can be recycled at many garages, transfer stations and waste management centres.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to dispose of batteries
Batteries should never be put in recycling or garbage bins at home or work. They are hazardous items that must be disposed of responsibly. Australia has a national recycling scheme for common household batteries, with thousands of drop-off locations across the country. Use the information on this page to find a drop-off point near you.
Recycling programs exist for other types of batteries, such as batteries found in computers and laptops, mobile phones, and cars
Where can I recycle batteries?
Australia has a national recycling scheme for common household batteries, with thousands of drop-off locations across the country. Use the information on this page to find a drop-off point near you. Drop-off locations for common household batteries can be found at many Aldi, Battery World, Bunnings, Officeworks, and Woolworths stores.
What's in a battery?
Batteries are made from a range of materials, including chemicals, metals, paper, and plastics. The chemicals used differ by battery type. For example, single-use alkaline batteries contain zinc, manganese dioxide, and potassium or sodium hydroxide. Single-use lithium batteries contain manganese dioxide, graphite, and lithium salts in an organic solvent. Luckily, most battery components can be easily separated and recycled. However, as the chemicals may leach into the environment (or cause a fire) if not handled correctly, important to dispose of your batteries responsibly
Be sure to take your used or unwanted household batteries to a collection point near you – use the search bar on this page to find a location. Car batteries can be taken to specialist collection points
What is a lithium battery?
Lithium batteries are the most common single-use batteries and may be AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, or button batteries. They're often used in torches, cameras, toys, and fire alarms.
Lithium batteries can give off a large surge of energy even after a period of low discharge, which is why used in medical devices, fire alarms, and security systems. In contrast, single-use alkaline batteries lose strength over time. Unlike single-use lithium batteries, lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and are used in most portable electronics, including laptops and mobile phones.
Single-use and rechargeable batteries can be recycled at dedicated collection points (use the search bar on this page to find a location).
Can lithium batteries be recycled?
Single-use lithium batteries and rechargeable standard-size lithium-ion batteries can be recycled, but not via your household recycling bin.
Use the information above on this page to find your nearest collection point. Be sure to tape the terminals of your batteries before dropping them off (terminals are the part or parts of the batteries that produce a charge of electricity). Lithium-ion batteries from your laptop or mobile phone can be recycled via specialist programs. Find recycling services for mobile phone batteries and laptop batteries
What are batteries made of?
Batteries are made from a range of materials, including chemicals, metals, paper, and plastics. The chemicals used differ by battery type. Luckily, most battery components can be easily separated and recycled. However, as the chemicals may leach into the environment (or cause a fire) if not handled correctly, it's important to dispose of your batteries responsibly and not put them in your household bins. Use the information above on this page to safely recycle your batteries.
How are batteries recycled?
Batteries can be recycled, but only through a special recycling program and not via your household recycling bin. The process used to recover the materials differs by battery type.
Regular household batteries (such as AAA, AA, C, D, and 9-volt batteries) can be taken to a local collection point – use the information above on this page to find your nearest locations. When alkaline batteries are recycled, they are mechanically separated into their different components – including zinc, manganese concentrate, steel, paper, plastic, and brass fractions. These are then sold on for reuse in new products.
When household single-use lithium batteries are recycled, they are broken into their components via a high-speed hammer, and these are then submerged in a neutralising solution. The metal components are recovered and sold to scrap metal recyclers. The Carbon is also recovered. When lithium-ion batteries are recycled (such as those in laptops and mobile phones), the components are mechanically separated in a special oxygen-free environment (end products include Cobalt and Lithium salt concentrate, stainless steel, copper, aluminium, and plastic). Each of these materials are then sold for reuse in new products. Laptop batteries can be recycled via the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. Mobile phone batteries can be recycled via MobileMuster
When you drop your old car batteries off for recycling, they are broken apart in a hammer mill, and the metals are then separated from the plastics. The metals and plastics can then be reused in new products. Lead-acid batteries, such as those used in cars, can be taken to your nearest
Are alkaline batteries recyclable?
Yes, alkaline batteries can be recycled, but not via your household recycling bin. Use the information on this page to find a collection point. Before dropping your household batteries off for recycling, be sure to tape the terminals (the electrical points of the battery).
Are lead acid batteries recyclable?
Yes, lead-acid batteries, such as car batteries, can be recycled, but not via your household recycling bin. Find a drop-off point near you.
Can button batteries be recycled?
Yes, button batteries can be recycled through our national battery recycling program, B-cycle. They should never be put in household recycling or garbage bins. Button batteries can be dropped off for recycling at one of the many collection points across the country. Use the information on this page to find a drop-off point near you.
Can hearing aid batteries be recycled?
Yes, hearing aid batteries (and other button batteries) can be recycled, but not via your household recycling bin. Use the information above on this page to find a drop-off location. Before dropping your old button batteries off for recycling, place sticky tape on either side of the button to prevent fires
Can you put batteries in the recycling bin?
No, batteries should never be put in recycling or garbage bins at home or work. They are hazardous items that must be disposed of responsibly. Use the information on this page to find a recycling drop-off point near you.
How to dispose of laptop batteries
Batteries found in computers and laptops can be recycled through the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. There are drop-off points located across the country.
