Batteries might be small, but they can cause big problems if disposed of incorrectly. When they end up in household recycling or rubbish bins, they pose a serious fire risk, with incidents reported across the country.
To help keep the community safe and reduce waste contamination, Whakatāne District Council has introduced a free battery recycling service. A dedicated battery recycling station is now available at the Whakatāne Resource Recovery Centre, while Murupara Resource Recovery Centre will also accept batteries and transfer them for safe recycling.
Manager of Solid Waste, Nigel Clarke, said the incorrect disposal of batteries is becoming a growing concern.
“Our contractors have seen a significant rise in batteries being incorrectly disposed of in mixed recycling. This not only contaminates recyclables but also increases fire risks at waste facilities. In January alone, batteries were found nine times on the sorting line at Tauranga’s Materials Recovery Facility.”
Waste contamination is also increasing, with recent audits showing that 30% of material collected in recycling bins is actually non-recyclable waste.
“We’re asking residents to double-check what goes into their bins and to never bin batteries. Instead, drop them off at our new recycling stations.”
By recycling batteries correctly, residents can help protect the recycling system, reduce fire risks, and keep the district in good shape.
Battery drop-off centres:
- Whakatāne Resource Recovery Centre – two dedicated battery recycling units.
- Murupara Resource Recovery Centre – batteries are collected and transferred to Whakatāne for safe recycling.
- Other locations – Waste Zero Whakatāne stall at the first Sunday Market each month, Bunnings, and Supercheap Auto (for car batteries only).