Single use batteries (primary batteries) in the Alpine Shire Council area

Take a quick look around your home and you'd be surprised to find that you use batteries in most common household products. Items such as laptop computers, mobile phones, cordless phones, power drills, torches, toys, shavers, watches/clocks, cameras, smoke alarms, audiovisual equipment and remote controls for TVs, DVDs and air conditioners all use batteries.

Australia does not currently have a national recycling scheme for primary batteries. Historically, recycling alkaline batteries was considered too expensive to be commercially viable. A working group made up of members from the battery industry has recently formed and are currently investigating a national battery collection and recycling scheme for Australia.

Batteryback

Batteryback is a free battery recycling program for rechargeable batteries and household single use batteries. This is an initiative of Sustainability Victoria in partnership with Cleanaway and Uniross. For more information on what batteries are accepted visit Sustainablility Victoria or call 1800 353 233.

Drop off locations for old, flat or unwanted rechargeable and single use batteries are available at the selected retail stores shown below.

Harvey Norman - Chadstone
Corner Warrigal and Waverley Roads

Harvey Norman - Burwood
Knox City Shopping Centre
425 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South

Harvey Norman - Maribyrnong
169 Rosamond Rd (opposite Highpoint)

Michaels's Camera, Video and Digital - Melbourne
Corner Elizabeth and Lonsdale Streets

Some Household Hazardous Waste Collections collect these batteries for safe disposal.

See if primary batteries and other hazardous wastes are collected in your area.

About Primary Batteries

  • They are single use non-rechargeable consumer batteries.
  • They make up the majority of batteries used by Australian households.
  • These are manufactured in three main shapes; cylindrical (AAA, AA, C and D sizes), rectangular (six and nine volt sizes) and button shaped.
  • These are commonly alkaline batteries with Zinc and Manganese chemistry.

How to reduce your battery usage

Buying rechargeable batteries is one way to reduce battery waste and is a great alternative to using conventional batteries. Each battery can be recharged up to 1000 times, saving you money and reducing pollution from discarded used batteries There are many rechargeable batteries available, with the most convenient being Varta's Charge 'n' Go as it takes less than 15 minutes to recharge. For more information visit www.planetarkdirect.com.

Want more info?

For more information on batteries and their composition, visit the Master Instruments website.