Embedded Batteries
Products with embedded batteries are becoming increasingly prevalent in our everyday lives. Chances are you might not even be aware of how many embedded batteries are collectively in your home.
Products with embedded batteries are considered problematic as they can be difficult to dispose of or recycle at their end of life due to the different components and materials that they’re made of. All batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, should never be disposed of in your kerbside red, yellow or green bins as they contain chemical substances that can be harmful to human health and the environment.
The NSW EPA has established a trial, in partnership with Bathurst Regional Council, to accept products with embedded batteries at the Bathurst Community Recycling Centre.
What products are accepted at the Community Recycling Centre as part of the Embedded Batteries Trial?
Common items you might have at home that may contain an embedded battery are:
- 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 (eg. shavers)
- Powerpacks and portable charging devices
- Remote controlled and ride-on toys
- Vacuum cleaners (cordless hand-held and robotic)
- Vapes
- Wearable devices such as smart watches, trackers and medical aids
If you have an unusual product, please phone ahead to the CRC to see if it can be accepted.
Many products have removal batteries, so if the batteries can be easily removed, please only bring the loose batteries.
What products are not accepted as part of the Embedded Batteries Trial?
Products covered under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) should be directed to your Council’s e-waste collection, usually also located at the Community Recycling Centre. This includes e-waste such as televisions, computers, printers, computer parts and peripherals. E-waste products containing an embedded battery, such as rechargeable gaming controllers and laptops, are accepted as part of the NTCRS rather than through the trial.
Mobile phones and associated accessories should be directed to your nearest MobileMuster collection point. MobileMuster is the product stewardship scheme for the collection and recycling of old and broken phones, chargers and accessories. These can be recycled at any MobileMuster location: https://www.mobilemuster.com.au/recycle-a-mobile/
For more information on the NTCRS, please visit: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/product-stewardship/products-schemes/television-computer-recycling-scheme
Oversize items are also not accepted. Check with your Council before presenting anything over 20kgs or that is bulky/requiring special delivery and/or more than one person from a manual handling perspective.
Where is the Community Recycling Centre located?
Bathurst Waste Management Centre, College Road, Bathurst
Are other Community Recycling Centres participating in the Embedded Batteries trial?
There are 21 Community Recycling Centres participating in the Embedded Batteries Trial. Visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au/embedded-batteries to find other trial locations.
How long is the Embedded Batteries Trial for?
The Embedded Batteries Trial will began September 2024 and will run until September 2026.
How can other batteries be recycled?
Loose handheld (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, 6V and button cell batteries) can be recycled at the following locations:
- Community Recycling Centres
- Household Chemical CleanOut events
- Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, IGA and Bunnings
- At any B-cycle accredited location: visit bcycle.com.au
- Civic Centre, Bathurst Regional Council
Car batteries can be recycled at any Community Recycling Centre or Household Chemical CleanOut event.
Once your battery is used, tape both ends of the battery terminals, store them in a safe location, out of reach of children before dropping them of at your nearest battery recycling collection point.