Same answer in every state and territory
Where to recycle batteries in Australia
Anywhere in Australia, loose batteries must never go in a kerbside bin, recycling or general waste. Tape the terminals of every battery, AA and AAA included, then drop undamaged ones free at a B-cycle point: most major supermarkets, hardware chains and Officeworks. A swollen, bulging or badly damaged battery must not go to B-cycle; jar it and ask your council.
What do I do with batteries?
- Check each battery first A battery that is swollen, bulging or badly damaged must not go to a B-cycle point or in any bin. Put it in a fire-resistant, non-airtight container such as a glass jar and contact your council or transfer station to ask whether it can take damaged batteries; if not, a B-cycle accredited collector can advise. A battery that is leaking but otherwise looks normal is different: gloves on, zip-lock bag, then B-cycle as usual.
- Tape the terminals Clear sticky tape over the terminals of every battery going to drop-off, AA and AAA included. Both ends of an AA or AAA, both terminals at the top of a 9V, and a button cell covered on all sides. Touching terminals short out and ignite.
- Drop undamaged loose batteries at a B-cycle point B-cycle takes small, loose, easily removable batteries in normal condition: AA and AAA, button cells, rechargeables and power banks. Major supermarkets, hardware chains, Officeworks and many council offices, free, in every state. Call the point first above 1 kg; the drop-off limit is 5 kg.
- Vapes and built-in batteries are not B-cycle B-cycle does not take vapes or batteries embedded in devices. For a vape, contact your council or transfer station to find a safe disposal option; a phone, laptop or tool with a built-in battery goes to e-waste as a whole device.
B-cycle is a national scheme for small, loose, undamaged batteries. Swollen or damaged batteries, vapes and embedded batteries are outside it everywhere; contact your council or transfer station to find a safe disposal option.
Why can't batteries go in the bin?
Batteries in kerbside bins are a leading cause of fires in recycling trucks and sorting facilities. A crushed lithium cell can ignite hours later in the back of a truck. This applies in every Australian state and territory, whatever the local bin rules.
Where is the nearest battery drop-off?
B-cycle points sit at most major supermarkets, hardware chains and Officeworks stores, and at many council offices and libraries. The B-cycle locator at bcycle.com.au lists them by postcode. Drop-off is free. B-cycle takes small, loose, easily removable batteries in normal condition: AA and AAA, button cells, rechargeables and power banks. Above 1 kg, call the point first; the ordinary drop-off limit is 5 kg, and a bigger stockpile goes through a B-cycle accredited collector.
What if a battery is swollen or damaged?
Do not take it to a B-cycle point and do not bin it. B-cycle's instruction is to put it in a fire-resistant, non-airtight container such as a glass jar, then contact your council or transfer station to ask whether it can safely accept damaged batteries. If it cannot, contact a B-cycle accredited collector for advice.
What if a battery is leaking?
If it is leaking but otherwise looks normal, B-cycle still takes it. Put gloves on, seal the battery in a zip-lock plastic bag, and drop it at a B-cycle point. Throw the gloves away and wash your hands. If the leaking battery is also swollen, bulging or badly damaged, the damaged-battery route above applies instead.
What about vapes and e-cigarettes?
B-cycle does not accept vapes or e-cigarettes, and it says so on its own FAQ. A vape is a lithium battery in a plastic case, so it belongs in no kerbside bin. B-cycle's instruction is to contact your council or transfer station to find a safe disposal option, because acceptance is decided locally.
What if the battery is built into the device?
Leave it in. B-cycle does not accept batteries embedded in devices. A phone, laptop, cordless drill or toothbrush with a built-in battery goes to e-waste as a whole device: phones to MobileMuster or an e-waste point, laptops to a National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme point. Prising a lithium battery out is how kitchen fires start.
Do I really need to tape the terminals?
Yes, on every battery you drop off, AA and AAA included. Touching terminals short out and heat up. B-cycle asks for clear sticky tape: over both ends of an AA or AAA, over both terminals at the top of a 9 volt, and all the way around a button cell. Leave the brand and chemistry label showing.
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This answer is the same in every state and territory, so there is one page for it. The answers that change at the state border are listed at where does it go.