Battery disposal and recycling

You can drop off the following household batteries for free at the Kempsey Community Recycling Centre or your nearest B-cycle drop-off point:

• AA, AAA, C, D sizes
• 9V and 6V batteries
• Button batteries
• Detachable/removable batteries from household devices, appliances and power tools

Lithium-ion batteries are a growing fire hazard in homes, workplaces and waste facilities across NSW.

To stay safe:

• Buy from trusted brands or retailers to ensure batteries meet safety standards.
• Use, charge, and store correctly. Avoid heat, damage or overcharging.
• Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in household bins.

Commonly found in phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, toys and appliances, these batteries may be marked with “Li” or “Lithium.”

Damaged batteries can:

• Burst or explode
• Release toxic, flammable gases
• Catch fire and be difficult to extinguish

Recycling guide

If removable by hand: Tape the terminals with non-conductive tape and drop off at the Kempsey Community Recycling Centre or your nearest B-cycle drop-off point.

If not removable: Leave it in the device and take it to the Kempsey Community Recycling Centre while the embedded battery trial is on.

Many everyday products contain embedded (built-in) batteries, such as Bluetooth speakers, electric toothbrushes and smartwatches. These batteries are not easily removed and can be difficult to recycle safely.

Do not place products with embedded batteries in your red, yellow or green lid bins. They contain hazardous materials and can pose fire and health risks.

Embedded battery items can be dropped off for free at the Kempsey Community Recycling Centre, located at the Waste Management Centre on Crescent Head Road, until September 2026.

Accepted items

Common items include:

• Bluetooth speakers and headphones

• Electric toothbrushes and shavers

• E-scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards

• Power packs and portable chargers

• Vapes and e-cigarette devices

• Cordless and robotic vacuums

• Light-up toys, smartwatches, fitness trackers

• Remote control and ride-on toys

If the battery can be easily removed, please recycle it separately as a loose battery.

More information is available at Embedded batteries | EPA

Lead acid car batteries can be dropped off for free at the Waste Management Centre on Crescent Head Road, South West Rocks Waste Transfer Station and Stuarts Point Waste Transfer Station. 

To find out which was in nearest to you, head to Waste & recycling centres

To safely store used batteries before disposal:

• To prevent fires, tape the terminals with clear tape before recycling. Terminal locations vary, so check B-cycle’s taping guide for help.
• Use a glass container for storage, ensuring it is not airtight to prevent pressure buildup.
• Do not store batteries in metal containers or alongside metal objects, as this poses a fire risk.
• Keep batteries away from heat sources such as stoves and store them in a cool, dry place.
• If a battery is leaking, place it in a sealed zip-lock bag before taking it to a drop-off point.
• Damaged batteries should be secured in a fireproof container or wrapped in a fire-resistant blanket.
• Button batteries are particularly dangerous if swallowed. Always store them in a sealed container and keep them out of reach of children.