Battery recycling

Heading to your local South Taranaki LibraryPlus to return your books? Now you can drop off your used household batteries at the same time.

South Taranaki District Council has introduced new, fire-safe battery collection units at its LibraryPlus centres in Eltham, Ōpunakē and Pātea, and at its main office in Hāwera.

The new collection units will make battery recycling in South Taranaki both safer and more convenient, says Cindy Koen, Council’s Environment and Sustainability Manager.

“These new units make it easier for people to do the right thing. Batteries contain harmful materials, and when they’re thrown in the rubbish or recycling bin they can cause fires, especially in trucks and at waste facilities,” says Cindy. “By recycling used batteries, you’re helping protect our environment, reduce fire risk, and support safer kerbside waste collection across the District.”

Designed for small-to-medium-sized household batteries, the units can take common household batteries, including alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V), lithium (coin and cylindrical), rechargeable NiCd and NiMH, button/coin cells, and other rechargeable types typically found in devices like cameras and small power tools.

Car batteries (lead-acid), large industrial batteries, or damaged Lithium batteries are not accepted, but people can still drop off larger batteries for free at the Hāwera transfer station during open hours.

Funded by the Waste Minimisation Levy and provided by Phoenix Recycling Group, the collection units are equipped with advanced fire safety features and are monitored remotely, for added security.

The batteries collected in the bins are shipped to approved recycling facilities. These facilities are equipped to safely process and recycle the batteries, recovering valuable materials and minimising environmental impact.

To recycle batteries safely, both terminals should be taped before they are placed in the bins, to help prevent short circuits and potential fires. Regular sticky tape is fine, and you can also use clear snap lock bags.

Taped batteries should be kept in a cool, dry place until you can drop them off at a recycling unit.

Accepted battery types:

• Alkaline: General household single-use batteries
• Lithium-ion: Rechargeable batteries from various devices like phones, laptops, and power tools
• Lithium Metal (Primary & Button): Non-rechargeable batteries found in household and industrial devices
• Lithium Phosphate: LiFePO4 rechargeable batteries.
• Nickel Cadmium: Rechargeable batteries from household items and power tools.
• Nickel Metal Hydride: Rechargeable batteries from household items and power tools
• Embedded Batteries: Batteries within small devices like electric tooth brushes, vapes, smoke alarms, and personal locator beacons

What's NOT accepted:

• Lead-acid batteries, like car batteries.
• Lithium Batteries that are damaged, leaking, swollen, or modified
• Batteries too large to fit in the collection unit