Battery recycling: overview

The aim of the EMRC dry-cell battery collection program is to reduce volumes of batteries disposed to landfill whilst trying to increase public awareness about the environmental impacts associated with disposal of batteries in the normal domestic waste stream.

EMRC began Perth's first dry-cell battery collection program in 2003 by piloting a primary school collection program. Since that time, the school program has steadily expanded with over 45 primary schools now involved.

In 2007, battery recycling bins were also placed in all public libraries and Council offices in Perth's Eastern Region. In 2008, bins were introduced  in several major regional shopping centers to offer residents more convenient locations to drop off their household batteries.

Later the same year, EMRC sent Western Australia's first shipment of dry-cell batteries to Australia's only primary battery recycling plant in NSW. Prior to this, dry-cell batteries were encapsulated with concrete before being placed in landfill, as there were no recycling facilities in Australia.

In late 2009 the dry-cell battery working group was formed and awarded a SWIS grant to provide over 150 battery recycling bins (based on the EMRC's design) across the Perth metropolitan area, an Australian first.

For more information on battery recycling, click on the links below:

School battery recycling program
Household battery recycling program
How are the batteries recycled?
Why shouldn't I put my batteries in the normal household bin?
What can I do with other types of batteries?
Where can I drop off my household batteries?