Monday, 13 May 2019 - 9:27am
Christchurch’s burning issue: Battery-sparked fires in waste
A 12-month battery collection trial is under way in Christchurch amid rising concerns over battery-sparked fires in wheelie bin collection trucks and at processing facilities.
The Christchurch City Council-run trial focuses on the best approach to collecting batteries to help prevent fires and protect the public and the environment.
Based on the results of the year-long trial, the Council plans to build a case study for government and industry to create a “product stewardship” for household batteries.
Council Solid Waste Manager Ross Trotter says the new campaign highlights the dangers to people, the environment and waste facilities of the casual disposal of batteries.
Discarded batteries are sparking fires in waste.
“Batteries have caused multiple fires in both collection vehicles and the recycling facility in Christchurch, along with risk to people and the environment,” Mr Trotter says. “This trial offers a safer approach to the handling of batteries for a suitable recycling solution.”
Under the collection trial, people can dispose of unwanted batteries used in common devices such as laptops and cell phones for free at any EcoDrop Recycling Centre around the city and Bunnings Tower Junction, Mitre 10 Papanui, New World Durham Street and Countdown Ferrymead.
Batteries must be loose and without packaging.
Car batteries are not part of this trial as they are already able to be dropped off for free at any EcoDrop Recycling Centre.
New Zealand-owned E-Cycle collects the batteries from the above locations for sorting before shipping them overseas for recycling.
“With particularly lithium-ion battery use climbing, it’s more important than ever to take a responsible approach to battery disposal,” Mr Trotter says.
“The improper disposal of batteries can cause chemicals to pollute the natural environment, representing a risk to people, animals and marine life.
“We need to recognise the long-term consequences of careless battery disposal and make the most of the recycling options offered by this trial.”
For out more about the battery recycling scheme.
Wanting to dispose of unwanted batteries safely? Check out the Christchurch City Council's free battery recycling scheme available from 13 May 2019.
Why recycle batteries?
Batteries contain numerous components that are bad for the environment. If put in wheelie bins, batteries can potentially harm staff and members of the public.
Batteries deteriorate if not in use and can become hazardous. Collecting batteries before they deteriorate means they can be recycled appropriately, saving valuable components for reuse and reducing the risk to people and the environment.
Which batteries can be dropped off?
All batteries below can be dropped off for free:
- Batteries from household devices – button cells, Cr123 camera batteries, alkaline, drycell and zinc, Li-ion batteries (from laptops, cameras, cell phones and tools), NiCd, NiMH and gel cell.
- Loose batteries can be put in a drop-off box at your nearest EcoDrop Recycling Centre or at participating retail stores.
- If your old cell phone doesn’t have a removable battery, drop the phone off at a Vodafone, Spark or 2Degrees retailer and it will be recycled through the Re:mobile scheme(external link) or at EcoDrop Recycling Centre.
- Car batteries can be dropped off at any EcoDrop Recycling Centre.
What happens to the batteries once dropped off?
E-Cycle collects the batteries from each location. As there are no viable recycling options in New Zealand, batteries are sorted and prepared for shipping overseas to be recycled. The separated components of the batteries are given a new life in a variety of industries.
Where can I drop batteries off?
Loose batteries can be put in a drop-off box at your nearest EcoDrop or at a participating retail store:
- Bunnings Tower Junction
- Countdown Ferrymead
- EcoDrop Parkhouse Road
- EcoDrop Metro Place
- EcoDrop Styx Mill
- Mitre 10 Mega Papanui
- New World Durham Street
