Batteries are an indispensable part of our life.
Almost every TV remote, car key and torch require them. But we are throwing away 17,000 tonnes of batteries every year – that’s more than 10,000 family sized cars in weight.
The vast majority wind up in landfill where they corrode over time, leaking harmful chemicals into the soil – putting our environment and communities at risk.
We have also seen battery-generated fires in garbage trucks, waste facilities and landfill where they can burn underground for years.
It’s not only the environment that’s at risk of harm by batteries – around 20 children present to an emergency department every week with a button battery related injury.
To try turn this around, the Government have provided a million dollar grant to the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC).
In order to change our behaviour, it generally has to be easy for us.
That’s why the BSC have built up a network of partner organisations and collection points where we regularly visit – places like supermarkets, libraries and office supply shops.
Customers can deposit their used batteries safely and have the confidence that they will be recycled.
Woolies is one of the largest businesses signing up to the scheme so far. They are starting the roll-out of their battery collection pods in Victoria, and will have them in all stores in Queensland by August.
Coles and Officeworks have also signed up to the scheme.
The batteries dropped off at supermarkets, libraries or office suppliers across Australia will be recycled to produce products such as new batteries, fertilizers, metal, paints and tyres.
This is a great example of protecting our environment and creating jobs at the same time.
