Blue Mountains News

No batteries of any type should be placed in household red, yellow or green bins as they contain chemical substances that can be harmful to human health and the environment.

Batteries placed in kerbside bins can also start fires in collection vehicles and at processing facilities. Emergency dumps of waste materials in public locations are immediately required when fires start in vehicles, which increases bushfire risk.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “With bushfire season fast approaching, it is more important than ever that we act responsibly to minimise risks.

“By correctly recycling batteries, we can protect the environment as well as reduce the chance of bushfires, which as we all know too well in the Blue Mountains can spread quickly.

“In addition, fires in waste disposal trucks and facilities pose an immediate safety risk for workers, as well as the general public.”

There are different drop-off points for different types of batteries:

• Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, 6V, watch and button) are accepted at Council's Katoomba and Blaxland Resource Recovery Waste Management facilities (10kg limit), supermarkets and at Bunnings. This includes alkaline and nickel. To prevent sparking, please attach clear tape at either end of the battery keeping the label visible.
• Batteries containing Lithiumover 5kg can be dropped off at a household chemical clean out events (10kg limit), scheduled throughout the year at Council’s Katoomba and Blaxland Resource Recovery Waste Management facilities. If the battery is rechargeable and has “Li” or “Lithium” printed on it, you can safely assume that it is a lithium-ion battery.
• Products with embedded batteries are becoming more common, and are found in electric toothbrushes, bluetooth speakers and vapes among other items. The EPA has established a trial, in partnership with local councils, to accept products with embedded batteries at select Community Recycling Centres. Blaxland Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility is one of those locations. The trial will run until September 2026

For more information on battery recycling and waste services, visit here