Where to Take Used Batteries in Wellington

A guide to battery disposal locations in Wellington, and how to reduce battery waste in your home

Properly disposing of expired batteries is essential for the environment and personal safety. Batteries are widely used in every home and inevitably run out of juice. I often encounter this dilemma with clients who have piles of used batteries and don’t know what to do with them. In Wellington, various locations and methods can help you responsibly dispose of used batteries. This guide will help you navigate the options available in our community, ensuring that you can safely declutter your home and contribute to a cleaner environment. I will also give you a tip I use in my home to reduce battery usage.

Why Proper Disposal of Batteries Matters

Used batteries contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals that can leak into the soil and water, posing significant environmental risks. Disposing of them correctly prevents these pollutants from contaminating our natural resources and reduces the risk of fire hazards associated with improper disposal.

Wellington City Council Recycling Stations

Wellington City Council provides several recycling stations where you can drop off your used batteries. These stations accept household batteries such as AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V. Locations include:

• The Southern Landfill in Owhiro Bay

• Selected libraries and community centres

• Various retail stores participating in recycling programs

Battery Recycling at Retailers
Many electronics retailers and supermarkets in Wellington offer battery recycling services. Notable stores include:

• The Warehouse: Participates in a national recycling program for household batteries.

• Noel Leeming: Accepts used batteries for recycling at all their stores.

• Mitre 10: Provides recycling bins for batteries and other small electronics.

Specialised Recycling Centres

For more specific battery types, such as rechargeable or button cell batteries, you can visit specialised recycling centres:

• E-Waste Recycling Centre: Located in Kaiwharawhara, this centre accepts a wide range of batteries and other electronic waste.

• Sustainable Coastlines Flagship Education Centre: Based on the waterfront, this centre provides battery recycling services and educational resources.

Community Collection Events

Keep an eye out for community collection events organised by local environmental groups or the Wellington City Council (Often advertised on Facebook). These events often provide an opportunity to dispose of larger quantities of used batteries safely.

Tips for Safe Battery Storage and Transport

Before taking your used batteries to a recycling point, follow these tips for safe storage and transport:

• Store used batteries in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials. Most of my clients keep a small container somewhere safe in their kitchen or laundry and then recycle them once it is full.

• Tape the terminals of each battery to prevent short-circuiting.

• Use a sturdy container to transport the batteries to avoid damage or leakage.

Ways to reduce battery usage in your home

With two small children in our household, we didn’t fully understand the rampant battery usage until we became parents. From toy train sets to remote control cars, we’ve seen it all. For a few years, we had a small toy train set, and the train in the set was aptly dubbed the “Battery Burner.” We soon grew tired of constantly replacing batteries and decided to explore rechargeable options.

Previously, rechargeable batteries required a large charging base that plugged into the wall. Now, newer and more convenient options are available that use a USB-C plug. We now use Pale Blue batteries in our home, both AA and AAA, and they have been life-changing! (Pictured below are the previous Pale Blue battery style that used a micro-usb to charge).

Conclusion

By using these local resources, you can ensure that your used batteries are disposed of safely and responsibly. Proper disposal not only helps you maintain a clutter-free home but also protects our environment. As a professional home organiser and decluttering expert, I use a variety of these battery collection depots weekly. Hopefully you will find them as easy to access as I do!