Embedded battery drop-off sites

When batteries – whether loose or embedded in a product – are placed in any kerbside bin, they significantly increase the risks of fires starting in waste collection trucks, and at waste facilities.

In just the last few years, batteries have been the cause of nearly 10,000 fires and fire events reported by the waste and recycling industry across Australia.

As more and more of our electronic devices come with embedded and non-removable batteries, this fire risk is increasing.

Green Industries SA has partnered with Adelaide Hills Regional Waste Management Authority, Northern Adelaide Waste Management Authority, City of Campbelltown, and City of West Torrens to open 4 free permanent embedded battery collection points.

Locations

  • Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre
    181 Morphett Road, North Plympton
    Opening hours:
    • Monday to Friday, 7 am to 4 pm
    • Saturday, 8 am to 3 pm
    • Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm

  • Campbelltown Works Depot
    6 Newton Road, Campbelltown
    Opening hours:
    • Monday to Friday, 8 am to 3 pm

  • Heathfield Resource Recovery Centre
    32 Scott Creek Road, Heathfield
    Opening hours:
    • Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm
    • Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm

  • NAWMA Resource Recovery Centre
    Gate 3, Bellchambers Road, Edinburgh North
    Opening hours:
    • Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm
    • Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm

FAQs

  • What kind of battery products will be accepted at the sites?

    Accepted embedded battery items include:

    • bluetooth speakers and headphones
    • electric toothbrushes
    • e-scooters, e-bikes and hover boards
    • flashing/light up toys – particularly wands or other hard plastic products
    • personal care devices (such as shavers and massagers)
    • powerpacks and portable charging devices
    • remote controlled and ride-on toys
    • vacuum cleaners (such as cordless, hand-held and robotic)
    • vapes and e-cigarettes
    • lighting products such as tealight candles, lanterns and torches
    • wearable devices such as smart watches, trackers and medical aids.


    Note: individual items and/or items bundled together must be less than 20kg.

  • What will happen with the collected products?

    Materials collected at the sites will be transported by Cleanaway to the EcoCycle processing facility in Victoria.

     

    At the processing facility, the materials will go through a separation process, where the battery components will be removed from each item. From there, the batteries and non-battery materials will go on to be recycled and turned into new products.

     

    Batteries contain recyclable materials and metals like copper, aluminium, manganese, zinc, lithium, cobalt and steel that have many uses in manufacturing, especially electronics. Recycling these materials avoids the need to mine and refine virgin rare earth materials contributing to a more circular economy.

  • Where can I recycle loose batteries and e-waste?

    Batteries

    Collection points for standard batteries, such as AA, AAA, C D, 9V, 6V and button batteries are available at your local Aldi, Bunnings, Coles, Foodland, IGA and Woolworths stores.


    Other B-cycle accredited drop-off locations can also be found on the B-cycle website.


    Many local councils also accept loose batteries. You can look up your local council to confirm if they offer any battery drop-off options.


    Once your battery is used, please tape both ends of the battery terminals and store them in a safe location, out of reach of children, before dropping them off at your nearest battery recycling collection point.


    E-waste

    Many retailers will accept e-waste and certain types of batteries now, and they can be recycled ahead of, and following, the drop-off event, at a time when it’s convenient for you.