General News
19 March, 2026
Safe new battery bins
BATTERY technology improvements have probably been one of the most influential aspects of day-to-day life in recent years, with their size reduction and power longevity having a major influence on items that we all use on a daily basis.
Phones, tablets, hand tools, scooters and cars are all examples of battery usage in the 21st Century.
Concerningly, however, like with many positives in our lives, there can be a downside.
One simple fact is that when batteries come to the end of their lifespan, they then become one of the many waste products that humans manage to generate. In the case of these energy sources, when thrown away incorrectly into your household bins, they can cause serious fires.
Scarily, it has been suggested that lithium-ion battery waste in Australia could exceed 100,000 tonnes by 2036.
When batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries from items like vapes, power banks, toys and tools, are crushed in rubbish trucks or at waste facilities, they can spark and ignite. These fires put waste workers at risk, damage trucks and facilities which can cost ratepayers thousands of dollars.
One golden rule is that batteries should never go in your red or yellow bin.
When disposed of in landfill, batteries release toxins, including heavy metals such as nickel, cadmium and mercury that leak into the soil and groundwater. These materials pose harmful risks to human, animal and plant life when contaminating waterways and precious ecosystems via landfill. Sending batteries to landfill is a waste of valuable resources.
As outlined by the Association for the Battery Recycling Industry, materials such as lead, cadmium, mercury, lithium, manganese, nickel and zinc are used to make batteries. The good news is that these products can be recycled an indefinite number of times.
Instead of throwing any type of battery away incorrectly, they should be taken to a designated battery recycling drop-off point in the community. Fortunately, it’s free, it’s easy and now you can find a location that is nearest to you using the ‘Recycle Mate’ tool which can be found on the Douglas Shire Council website or by downloading the free app. ‘Recycle Mate – Douglas Shire Council’.
Douglas Shire Council was recently awarded a $100,000 Local Government Battery Collection Program grant to expand their battery bin locations, with a specific focus on embedded batteries. The batteries you find in many everyday products like electric toothbrushes and other small appliances contain built-in batteries that cannot be easily removed.
The new green and blue embedded battery bins will make it easy to dispose of these items safely and responsibly and will be available at the following sites:
Port Douglas Community Hall
Douglas Shire Council Administration Building
Mossman Library
Cow Bay waste transfer station
Daintree waste transfer station
To further support battery recycling, it is recommended that people purchase batteries with the B-cycle logo as the purchase price of these batteries includes recycling at end of life. People are also advised to buy rechargeable and recyclable batteries whenever they can.
B-Cycle accepts household batteries, from most hand-held items including AA, AAA, C, D, 9V and 6V lantern and button batteries from devices such as watches and hearing aids. For more information visit www.bcycle.com.au.
For all other battery types, including mobile phone batteries, laptop or TV batteries, lead acid batteries and larger batteries, use Recycle Mate to identify your nearest drop-off point at community recycling centres, participating Officeworks stores, or transfer stations.
The good news is that if recycled, 95% of the components of a battery can be turned into new batteries or used in other industries. By recycling your batteries, you’re actively taking part in the circular economy, while keeping your community safe and contributing raw materials for new batteries.
Douglas Shire Council is leading the project for participating councils including Mareeba, Cook and Tablelands, helping strengthen battery‑collection systems right across the region. This collaborative approach means safer disposal options for residents, fewer hazardous materials ending up in landfill and a more consistent recycling network from the coast to the Tablelands.
I’m off to drop off my old batteries, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
