Perth's Battery Collection Bins a booming success

On September 1 2009 the Minister for Environment; Youth the Hon Donna Faragher and the Dry-Cell Battery Working Group launched the start of Perth’s household battery recycling program. This community initiative is the first of its kind in Australia and gives everyone the ability to recycle common household batteries at over 150 convenient locations.

The vibrant new battery recycling bin has been designed with a slot in the top to allow dry cell batteries to be easily and safely deposited. The types of batteries accepted include:

• AA and AAA cells (single use & rechargeable batteries)
• C and D sized batteries
• Button batteries (e.g. from watches)
• 9V batteries
• 6V batteries (e.g. lantern/torch batteries)

Since the launch of the program in September, the battery recycling bins have collected over 4 tonnes of batteries. The feedback received from those using the bins has been very positive and the bins have been well utilized. The batteries collected will be recycled into a range of new products, such as street lights and car parts, rather than go to waste.

Many local and regional councils have also started school battery recycling and collection programs (contact your local council for more information). This is to educate students on how to correctly dispose of batteries whilst providing them with a responsible means of disposal.

The initiative is being administered by Dry Cell Battery Working Group and is supported by the Western Australian Landfill Levy Fund

For a full list of battery recycling bin locations and to find out more about battery recycling visit www.zerowastewa.com.au or contact your local Council.

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