Do you know how to recycle your power tool batteries? Power tool batteries are extremely hazardous. They often contain an element called cadmium, a toxin and known carcinogen that must be kept out of landfills where it can leach into soil and groundwater.
Research conducted by the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI) indicated that 86 of respondents did not know where to recycle power tool batteries.
Power tool batteries, or any batteries for that matter, should not be disposed of with household waste. They should be recycled at special drop off locations or through council collections.
Aldi supermarkets offer a free battery recycling service at all their Australian stores. IKEA and Battery World also run in-store recycling programs.
Libraries, neighbourhood centres and certain other businesses also offer recycling programs. To find local recyclers for all types of batteries in your local area head to the Recycling Near You website.
Batteries should be dropped off when completely discharged. If the battery is not empty or you are unsure, cover the poles with sticky tape.
To minimise fuss, you can start a battery collection box in your home or workshop and only take it for recycling once it is full. That way, batteries are kept out of the red bin and you are making efficient use of your time.
If you live in Brisbane recycling power tool batteries is even easier. Thanks to the Power Tool Batteryback recycling pilot program, DIYers and tradespeople can deposit any brand of power tool battery into a specially marked bin at a participating hardware store in the Brisbane area. Collection points are available at participating Bunnings, Masters, Trade Tools and Total Tools stores.
Click here to find a collection point near you.
The Batteryback program launched in September 2015 and since then has collected almost two tonnes of batteries for recycling. The pilot program will continue until June 30 2016 and the ABRI encourages everyone to get involved.
A Power Tool Batteryback collection bin at a participating hardware store in Brisbane
Main image: iStock