Embedded Batteries

Never place batteries or battery-operated items in your kerbside waste or recycling bins.

When compacted in trucks or at recycling facilities, they can ignite and cause fires.

In the past year, more than 200 battery-related fires were reported across Queensland.

If an item lights up, makes sound, moves, or needs charging, it likely contains a battery - even if you can’t see it or remove it.

Common items include:

  • Vapes and e-cigarettes
  • Electric toothbrushes
  • Bluetooth speakers and headphones
  • Solar lights
  • Power tools and battery packs
  • Chargeable electronic toys

Dispose of batteries safely:

  • Take them to a designated drop-off point at the Recycling Shed in Nikenbah or Maryborough waste facilities
  • Use the Recycle Mate app or visit recyclemate.com.au to find nearby disposal locations

Frequently asked questions 

Do I have to remove the battery first?

Do not try to remove the embedded battery from these devices if it is not able to be clicked out by hand. Using tools to remove the battery may cause damage and increase the risk of fire.

Can I dispose of batteries in my kerbside bins?

Never dispose of batteries or battery-operated items in waste or recycling bins. When batteries are compacted or punctured in collection trucks or at waste facilities, they can start fires that pose serious safety risks to people and cause significant damage to local infrastructure or major disruptions to waste and recycling services. 

What types of products contain batteries?

If you feel like almost everything has a battery in it these days, you’re not alone. While it’s easy to see where standard AA and AAA batteries belong in some devices, built-in rechargeable batteries are much trickier to deal with.

Batteries are found in many everyday household items, including laptops, mobile phones, power tools, electric toothbrushes, Bluetooth speakers, items that light up, kid’s toys, e-scooters or e-bikes, vapes, and cameras. 

How can I safely store batteries at home?

Keep used batteries and old devices with embedded batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or flammable materials. 

What are the environmental risks of improper battery disposal?

Improper disposal can lead to the release of toxic substances into the environment, polluting ecosystems, harming wildlife, and posing risks to human health through contaminated water or soil. 

How should I bring batteries in?

If battery terminals touch, they can spark and catch fire. To prevent this, tape the terminals of used batteries. Always use clear sticky tape.

Carefully collect your taped, used batteries and transport them to a B-cycle accredited Drop off point in a fire-resistant container, like a glass jar, for safe disposal.

Keep batteries away from children, especially small batteries that can be swallowed, like button batteries.

Place leaking batteries in a zip-lock bag. Place damaged batteries in a fireproof container or blanket.

Learn more here - bcycle.com.au/battery-safety

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