Western Bay Libraries Launch New Fire-Safe Battery Recycling Service

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has introduced new fire-safe battery collection units at library and service centres throughout the region, including Te Puke. The collection units are designed for small-to-medium-sized household batteries and can accept alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V), lithium, rechargeable NiCd and NiMH, button/coin cells, and other rechargeable types typically found in devices like cameras and small power tools.

Funded by the Waste Minimisation Levy and provided by Phoenix Recycling Group, the units are equipped with advanced fire safety features and remote monitoring for added security. According to Council's solid waste planning and behaviour change lead Ilze Kruis, "Batteries contain harmful materials, and when they're thrown into the rubbish or recycling bin they can cause fires, especially in trucks and at waste facilities." Batteries collected in the bins are shipped to approved recycling facilities that safely process and recycle them while recovering valuable materials and minimizing environmental impact.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.