National scheme to redirect 90% of used batteries

From tools to toys, wristwatches to remote controls, alarm clocks to portable radios — there are currently over 150 million loose or removable used batteries being stored in homes across the country, just waiting to be disposed of, according to new research.

Now, a new national government-backed battery recycling scheme, B-cycle, aims to redirect 90% of these used batteries that currently go to landfill.

While most batteries have always been recyclable, until now a nationally coordinated infrastructure hasn’t been in place to collect and recycle single-use or rechargeable batteries such as alkaline or lithium batteries — there were simply very few places to take them.

The new scheme will allow Australians to easily identify their closest drop-off point by entering their postcode into the B-cycle website.

The B-Cycle program is launching with 2351 drop-off points and the network is set to grow by an additional 1200 convenient drop-off points in the coming weeks.

This network will include retail stores nationwide such as ALDI, Bunnings, Officeworks and Woolworths, and community organisations such as the Lions Club, and many more. Drop-off points, including at Coles, will be added over the coming months as more battery collectors and recyclers become accredited.

Founded by not-for-profit organisation the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC), the B-cycle Scheme is supported by the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments, authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and funded by the federal government and the battery industry.

The Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Trevor Evans, said all Australians can help the country move to a circular economy in which we routinely recycle and reuse our waste resources by taking their used batteries, including household batteries, power tool batteries, camera batteries and e-bike batteries, to participating drop-off points.

Libby Chaplin, CEO of B-cycle, said the scheme brings people, businesses and communities together to make sure that no used battery goes to waste, protecting people, our planet and future battery materials.

Below are some of the reasons why it is important to recycle used batteries:

• Seemingly harmless household batteries have an environmental impact when they’re thrown in the bin. They contain elements which can leach into our soils and waterways.
• Batteries contain valuable resources like zinc, lithium, cobalt, graphite and manganese.
• For each battery recycled, more than 95% of its materials can be remade into things we use every day, like paint, car tyres, metal tools, computer parts, brand new batteries and more.
• Nearly all batteries are hazardous due to their toxic, flammable or corrosive nature. Correctly storing and disposing of your used batteries with B-cycle keeps your home and your family safe from potential risks.
   

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Andrey Popov