Council urges residents to dispose of batteries and vapes safely

South Taranaki District Council is urging residents to take extra care when disposing of batteries, vapes, and any items containing batteries, following two recent fires at the Hāwera Transfer Station.

Council’s Environment and Sustainability Manager Cindy Koen says both fires were caused by vapes containing batteries being placed in kerbside rubbish bins.

“While our crews were able to contain the fires quickly, they highlight just how dangerous these items can be when they’re thrown out with general rubbish,” says Cindy. “Batteries are found in everyday portable, rechargeable devices, which is why they so often end up in household rubbish by mistake.”

How to safely dispose of batteries and vapes:

• Drop off batteries, battery embedded or small devices at Battery Collection Stations at the Hāwera Administration Building or at the Eltham/Ōpunakē/Pātea LibraryPlus.
• Small quantities (up to 500g) of household batteries can be taken to the Hāwera Transfer Station for free.
• Return used vapes to participating stores that offer a take-back programme.
• Dispose of larger volumes of batteries, vapes, and battery embedded devices at the Hāwera Transfer Station for a small fee.

If you’re unsure how to dispose of any item, visit www.southtaranaki.com/recyclingsearch to find the correct disposal method.

Cindy says by using the correct disposal options available, we can prevent fires, protect our facilities and make South Taranaki a safer and more sustainable place for everyone.

Most common items that contain batteries:

• Mobile phones and smartphones
• Laptops and tablets
• Power banks/portable chargers
• Wireless earbuds and headphones
• E-readers (Kindles)
• Digital cameras and camcorders
• Electric toothbrushes
• Rechargeable shavers and hair trimmers
• Handheld vacuum cleaners
• Cordless power tools (drills, sanders, hedge trimmers, etc.)
• Vapes / e-cigarettes
• Electric scooters, bikes, and skateboards
• Drones and remote-control toys
• Camping lanterns and rechargeable torches
• Bluetooth speakers
• Smartwatches and fitness trackers
• Car key fobs