Western BOP Libraries Get Fire-Safe Battery Recycling Units

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has rolled out new fire-safe battery collection units at its district libraries, including those in Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, and Te Puke, as well as at the council's main office at Barkes Corner in Tauranga. The units are designed to make battery recycling both safer and more convenient for residents across the district.

The collection units accept a wide range of small-to-medium household batteries — including alkaline, lithium, rechargeable NiCd and NiMH, and button cell types found in devices such as cameras and small power tools. Larger batteries such as car (lead-acid) and industrial batteries are not accepted, though residents can drop those off free of charge at the council's three recycling centres in Āthenree, Katikati, and Te Puke.

Funded by the Waste Minimisation Levy and provided by Phoenix Recycling Group, the units include advanced fire safety features and are remotely monitored. Collected batteries are sent to approved recycling facilities where valuable materials are recovered and environmental harm is minimised, according to WBOPDC solid waste planning and behaviour change lead Ilze Kruis.

Residents are asked to tape over both terminals of used batteries before placing them in the bins to help prevent short circuits. Regular sticky tape or clear snap-lock bags both work well. Taped batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place until they can be dropped off.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).