Batteries power our lives. From cars to consumer electronics, industrial tools, kids’ toys and household appliances, batteries are everywhere. They come in all shapes and sizes, and contain a wide variety of materials like metals, chemicals and plastic.
With over 700 million batteries sold in Australia each year, sustainable battery waste management is becoming a critical priority.
Improper battery disposal poses significant risks to the environment and public health. By prioritising battery recycling, Perth can turn a looming environmental challenge into an opportunity for sustainability and innovation.
The Environmental Impacts of Improper Battery Disposal
Living Forever in Landfills
Around 87% of end-of-life batteries are collected for recycling in Australia. However, this is the average across the board. Although 96% of lead-acid batteries are collected, other types drag the average down and indicate the scale of our battery disposal challenge:
- Alkaline: 13%
- Lithium-ion: 3%
- Nickel-cadmium: 9%
- Nickel metal hydride: 29%
Batteries take hundreds of years to decompose. This contributes to landfill overcrowding and poses a long-term environmental threat.
More Emissions for Primary Production
Australia’s Battery Stewardship Council recently published a study comparing the impact of battery metals produced from primary sources against those refined from recycling.
The difference is significant. For example, copper from primary sources produces around 65% more CO2 equivalent emissions than copper refined from battery recycling. For cobalt, it’s nearly 95% higher.
“Results indicate that recycled materials, even after refining to a highly purified grade, results in less impacts across all categories. All recycled materials have a lower impact compared with primary sourced materials.”
- Battery Stewardship Council 2023
Chemical Contamination
Improper battery disposal puts pressure on Australia’s ecosystem. Digging deeper into the Battery Stewardship Council’s data, it’s clear just how much pressure we are talking about.
Across every environmental metric measured – including water toxicity, human cancers, acidification, ozone depletion and water nutrient depletion – refining metals from battery recycling had significantly less impact than primary production.
Battery Disposal in Perth Benefits Everyone (and the Environment)
By implementing responsible battery recycling, Perth can achieve significant environmental, economic, and social benefits.
Reducing Toxic Waste
Proper battery recycling minimises the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. Dangerous chemicals are safely extracted, contained and refined, preventing environmental contamination.
Conserving Natural Resources
Recycling recovers valuable metals like cobalt and lithium. As battery production increases globally, refining high-purity materials will reduce the pressure on mining. This is especially important in areas where environmental regulations in mining have yet to catch up with Australia’s high standards.
Energy Savings from Recycling
One recent study from Stanford found that recycling batteries uses around 25% less energy than producing new ones, and around 70% less water. Innovations in battery recycling will continue to widen that gap.
Contributing to Sustainability Goals
The Federal Government’s National Waste Policy Action Plan, launched in 2009, set a goal to “restrict the disposal of lithium-ion batteries and e-waste materials in landfill by 2024.” How we handle battery disposal in Perth will directly influence the country’s sustainability goals.
Complying with Government Regulations
Australia’s environmental regulations are tightening as we aim to meet important sustainability targets. Proper battery disposal helps Perth businesses and individuals meet these standards while avoiding fines and penalties.
Supporting a Circular Economy for Electronics
Battery recycling is helping to create a closed-loop system where resources are continually repurposed instead of wasted. Many of the materials in end-of-life batteries are endlessly recyclable.
Battery Recycling vs. Battery Disposal: Five Key Differences
| Battery recycling | Battery disposal | |
| Resource conservation | Recovers valuable materials for reuse | Wastes valuable resources |
| Energy consumption | Less energy-intensive than producing new batteries | Contributes to energy consumption for new production |
| Economic benefits | Creates jobs and stimulates the recycling industry | Limited economic benefits |
| Regulatory compliance | Adheres to environmental regulations | May violate environmental regulations |
| Public perception | Positive image associated with environmental responsibility | Negative image associated with waste and pollution |
How to Recycle Batteries in Perth
Household Battery Recycling
Household batteries (e.g., AA, AAA, 9V and button batteries) can be dropped off at recycling bins. You can find these in popular locations around the country, especially in metro areas.
- Bunnings: Drop-off units for small batteries near store entrances
- Aldi: Free recycling service for AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V batteries
- Coles and Woolworths: Rolling out battery recycling units in select stores
If you have a larger collection of batteries for disposal in Perth, C.D. Dodd can help. As WA’s leading battery recycling specialist, we help local communities and businesses organise battery recycling drives and regular battery collections. We might even be able to offer cash for your battery stash.
Get in touch for an easy solution to your battery disposal challenge.
Car Battery Recycling
Lead-acid vehicle batteries are hazardous but highly recyclable. C.D. Dodd offers safe and efficient battery recycling services across WA. With a state-wide collection network and government-certified battery transport vehicles, we can collect old car batteries, mine vehicle batteries, heavy equipment batteries, and even Li-ion electric vehicle batteries.
Other options for car battery recycling include:
- Auto parts stores
- Car dealerships
- Local mechanics’ workshops
- Some local waste management centres
Read more: Contrasting Lithium Battery Recycling with Conventional Methods.
Mobile Phone Battery Recycling
Programs like MobileMuster allow you to recycle mobile phone batteries through participating retailers. You can take your old phone to any Telstra, Optus and Vodafone store, or post it to MobileMusters.
Safe Battery Disposal Tips
Proper battery disposal in Perth is not just about protecting the environment. It is also about safety. Batteries contain chemicals that can leak, spark, or even catch fire if handled unsafely. Follow these tips for safe, responsible battery disposal:
- Tape the terminals: Cover the battery terminals with electrical tape to prevent short circuits and potential fires
- Store safely: Use a dedicated, non-metal container to store old batteries, such as a glass or plastic jar
- Keep cool: Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and flammable materials
- Dispose properly: Take batteries to designated recycling locations or organise a battery recycling drive with C.D. Dodd
- Avoid cross-contamination: Mixing different battery types can lead to chemical reactions and safety hazards.
- Check local regulations: Familiarise yourself with rules and recommendations for battery disposal in your area.
Never throw batteries in the bin. Improper battery disposal causes fires in rubbish bins, trucks and non-specialised recycling facilities.
C.D. Dodd: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Battery Recycling in Perth
At C.D. Dodd, we are proud to be Western Australia’s trusted partner for battery recycling. With over 50 years of experience, we offer safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible solutions for all types of batteries.
Our unique services include:
- State-wide battery recycling network
- Expertise in commercial and vehicle battery disposal
- Strict safety standards and an impeccable track record
- Partnership approach that helps local communities
Whether you’re a business looking to comply with environmental regulations or a household wanting to make a difference, recycling your batteries is a simple yet powerful step toward protecting our environment.
Contact C.D. Dodd today to learn more about our comprehensive battery recycling services.