So with Melbourne making a push to adopt a greener lifestyle electronic waste management became a priority and now old batteries (which are a part of everyday life – cars, remote controls) can be put under greater scrutiny. Dangerously concentrated chemicals from batteries may pollute the environment if the batteries are disposed of improperly. However, if you need an advice on how to dispose old batteries or don’t know how to do it all by yourself, this guide explains everything that you need.
Why recycle scrap batteries?
We need to recycle batteries instead of disposing of them as a garbage. Here are three reasons:
• Environmental Protection: Batteries are constructed with hazardous materials including lead, cadmium and acid. The toxic substances found in batteries spread into the soil and water when they get into landfills.
• Legal Obligations: There are e-waste laws that regulate battery disposal in Victoria. Battery waste can not be dropped in normal rubbish bins because of the legal restrictions.
• Resource Recovery: By recycling lead, nickel and lithium from batteries, the exploitation of new unprocessed elements is minimized.
Which scrap batteries may be utilized for recycling?
Melbourne can recycle a wide range of batteries:
• Car batteries (lead-acid)
• Lithium-ion batteries (laptops, mobile phones, power tools)
• Industrial batteries (used in forklift batteries, solar systems, UPS units)
• Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, 9V – household use)
• Nickel-cadmium batteries (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH)
Where to Recycle Scrap Batteries in Melbourne
Fortunately, there is a lot of easy access to recycling scrap batteries melbourne:
• Local scrap yards that pay cash for batteries (lead acid batteries are particularly attractive due to weight).
• At the various retail drop off points or supermarkets or electronics stores.
• Council recycling centres or e-waste collection programs.
• Mobile collection services that operate for increased volumes of batteries in businesses.
Tip: To know who you are giving your batteries to, consider whether the recycler is EPA-licensed and their commitment to sustainable recycling.
How Much Are Scrap Batteries Worth?
If you’re keen to earn a bit of cash from your scrap batteries – here is what you need to know:
• Lead acid car batteries: Commonly valued between $5 and $15 depending on weight/market prices.
• Lithium ion batteries: Market prices vary (noted above), but often higher grade batteries will bring in a higher return / kg.
• Drop offs: If you’re dropping your scrap batteries off, you may get a better price if you only take large bulks.
Tips: How to maximize your return.
• Keep batteries clean and dry.
• Store batteries in a secure container that is leak-proof.
• Call ahead and confirm prices from various scrap yards.
Safe Handling and Storing
When dealing with your scrap batteries, safety is most important! Just think about the following when handling and storing:
• Don’t mix good and damaged batteries in storage.
• Keep your body safe! Avoid all contact with leaking batteries and wear gloves if needed.
• Keep your batteries away.
Choosing a battery recycling service in Melbourne
Not all recyclers are created equal. When choosing a battery recycler in Melbourne, you should consider:
✅ EPA licence and compliance
✅ Upfront pricing
✅ Environmentally friendly disposal and recovery
✅ Customer reviews and reputation in the area
Choosing to support ethical recyclers ensures your scrap battery won’t end up sitting in a shipping container overseas or being improperly disposed of!
Final Thoughts
Disposing of your scrap batteries in Melbourne, is not only a legal requirement, but also a social responsibility. Every time you recycle a battery you:
• Prevent toxic waste accumulations
• Recover usable materials
• Return materials to the economy via the circular economy
• Maybe make some money!
