Every year thousands of tonnes of batteries are used in Australia, many of which dangerously end up in landfills.
The metals found in alkaline and rechargeable batteries include cadmium, mercury and lead.
If left exposed, these metals can leak and contaminate the soil and groundwater, causing significant health and environmental risks.
Rechargeable batteries are considered hazardous waste and should never be thrown away as general waste.
IKEA, Battery World, Bunnings and Aldi supermarkets all have a free battery recycling service with dedicated bins at each of their stores.
Also lookout for B-cycle, Australia’s first national recycling scheme, which officially launches today and will initially cover the smaller alkaline and lithium batteries that come inside common household items like television remotes and power tools.
For more information:
Australia’s first national recycling scheme for household batteries launches – ABC News
Felicity Maher
Sustainability Officer
