B-cycle, Australia’s new national government-backed battery recycling Scheme, officially launched across the country on February 16th, 2022, to combat one of the nation’s fastest growing waste streams. It aims to redirect 90% of used batteries that currently go to landfill, causing environmental impact and wasting precious resources.
Image Credit: B-cycle
Every year, Australians buy enough batteries to circle the planet Earth 2.3 times and new research reveals that there are currently over 150 million loose or removable used batteries being stored in homes across the country, from tools to toys, wristwatches to remote controls, just waiting to be disposed of.
Most batteries have always been recyclable, but until now, a nationally coordinated infrastructure hasn’t been in place to collect and recycle single use or rechargeable batteries such as alkaline or lithium batteries – there was simply very few places to take them.
Australians will be able to easily identify their closest Drop off point by entering their postcode into the B-cycle website. B-cycle is launching with 2,351 Drop off points and the network is set to grow by an additional 1,200 convenient Drop off points in the coming weeks. This extensive network will include retail stores nationwide such as ALDI, Bunnings, Officeworks, Woolworths, and community organisations such as the Lions Club, and many more. Drop off points, including at Coles, will be added over the coming months as more battery collectors and recyclers become accredited.
Founded by the not-for-profit organisation, the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC), the B-cycle Scheme is supported by the Commonwealth and all State and Territory Governments, authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and funded by the Federal government and the battery industry.
The Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Trevor Evans said, “The Australian Government has invested $1 million for the Battery Stewardship Council to establish and launch B-cycle: our new national recycling scheme for batteries. All Australians can help Australia move to a circular economy in which we routinely recycle and reuse our waste resources by taking their used batteries including household batteries, power tool batteries, camera batteries, and e-bike batteries to participating drop off points including ALDI, Bunnings, Officeworks, Total Tools, Woolworths, and soon Coles”.
Batteries play a critical role in powering our everyday lives. With new applications for batteries constantly evolving, leading brands such as Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, Super Retail Group, Milwaukee, Stanley Black & Decker, and Makita, along with numerous other brands, are playing a pivotal role in funding the B-cycle Scheme. These forward-thinking organisations are allowing consumers the choice to buy better for the Earth.
Libby Chaplin, CEO of B-cycle said, “Our day to day lives are fast moving to a battery powered world – yet the materials we rely on for those batteries are in limited supply. The new B-cycle Scheme brings people, businesses and communities together to make sure that no used battery goes to waste, protecting people, our planet, and future battery materials. Now with B-cycle, consumers will be able to access our accredited network of battery drop off points and be confident their batteries are being safely recycled. We’re looking forward to Australians getting familiar with their local B-cycle bins and taking advantage of this new Scheme.”
B-cycle ambassador, environmentalist and presenter Laura Wells commented, “B-cycle is the easiest addition to my recycling regime, creating a way for me to actually recycle batteries, stopping them ending up in landfill, and harming our environment. For each battery recycled, more than 95% of its materials can be remade into things we use every day – like paint, car tyres, metal tools, computer parts, brand new batteries, and more. Knowing I am now contributing to a circular economy while reducing my footprint with B cycle is a fantastic start to 2022.”
Why it is Important to Recycle Used Batteries
The Environment
- Seemingly harmless household batteries have an environmental impact when they’re thrown in the bin. They contain elements, which can leach into our soils, and waterways.
- Batteries contain valuable resources like zinc, lithium, cobalt, graphite and manganese.
- For each battery recycled, more than 95% of its materials can be remade into things we use every day – like paint, car tyres, metal tools, computer parts, brand new batteries, and more.
Safety
- Nearly all batteries are hazardous due to their toxic, flammable, or corrosive nature. Correctly storing and disposing of your used batteries with B-cycle keeps your home and your family safe from potential risks.
- B-cycle is the go-to hub for battery safety information. Promoting safe storage and drop off of used batteries, to keep everyone’s home healthy.
“We are deeply grateful to the Federal Government and the battery industry for making B-cycle possible. Now is the time for Australians to come together under this landmark Scheme and take a major step forward in the protection of both our homes, communities and environment.” added Chaplin.