Organisations such as Cleanup Australia, ABRI and Planet Ark are among a number of organisations that have called for consumers to recycle batteries, a common household item impacting the environment.
Brad Gray, Head of Campaigns at Planet Ark said batteries are used in a number of items at home.
“We use batteries in smoke alarms, toys, remote controls, gaming consoles, dog lights and bike lights. Essentially what happens in most parts of the country is batteries go straight into landfill and that can be a problem. Batteries can leak toxicities into the environment,” Mr Gray said.
The most common batteries are nine bolt AA and AAA batteries. But My Gray said rechargeable batteries are a good alternative, if recycled.
“Materials in rechargeable batteries have a much smaller environmental footprint. The energy and resources that go into making one single use battery is disproportionate, which is why recycling and rechargeable batteries are a good alternative. With single use batteries, you’re throwing away money because you’re paying a significant amount for using it once and chucking it out, but you can get your moneys worth out of rechargeable batteries,” Mr Gray said.
He also warns households that small button cell batteries are dangerous to have around children.
“Button cell batteries are increasingly used in remote controls and watches. They are particularly dangerous to have in households as they can be a choking hazard for kids. There are a surprising number of kids put into hospital every year from swallowing button cell batteries.
“One of our key messages is to make sure parents know where batteries are and to not leave them lying around. Access recycling programmes to get rid of them.
“The best thing for households to do is to check what’s available in their area. We have a website called http://www.recyclingnearyou.com.au/, so if your council runs a recycling collection it will list that, as well as other programmes,” Mr Gray said.
There is no national battery recycling scheme but some local councils and retailers provide battery recycling programmes.
Some retailers include Aldi, Battery World and IKEA.
IKEA recently launched a new range of affordable rechargeable batteries.
“All IKEA stores in Australia offer a free recycling program for household used batteries, ensuring that these products are handled in an environmentally responsible manner. We are also encouraging consumers to make the switch to rechargeable batteries, as purchasing just one rechargeable battery can save up to 1500 disposable batteries from landfill and save a household nearly $300 annually,” IKEA Australia Sustainability Manager Kate Ringvall said.
