It is important that B-cycle accredited Drop off points provide and
maintain an appropriate environment for the safe and effective recycling
of used batteries. This Code states the responsibilities to both public
and non-public B-cycle Drop off points.
Partner with a B-cycle accredited
Collector
- B-cycle Drop off points are required to work with B-cycle accredited
Collectors.
- B-cycle accredited Collectors will guide you on choosing bins that
meet the B-cycle Container Protocols; where to locate your bins and
how to arrange for battery pick-ups. They will also provide guidance
on maintaining safety in and around the bin.
Prevent theft or injury
To prevent injury or theft by third parties or the public, ensure that
only B-cycle accredited Collectors are permitted to collect the contents
of B-cycle accredited Drop off bins. It is expected that Drop off points,
however, monitor the use of bins to ensure the public do not retrieve
disposed batteries from B-cycle bins.
Fire safety first
By providing a B-cycle Drop off bin for used batteries you are managing a
small but real fire risk. This risk can be reduced by:
- Always using bins provided by your B-cycle Collector. B-cycle
Collectors are responsible for ensuring your bins meet the B-cycle
Container Protocols.
- Consistently communicating the importance of protecting battery
terminals prior to placing them in the bin.
- B-cycle recommends the following messaging:
- Tape battery terminals with clear sticky tape for fire
prevention and child safety.
Use only approved bins that meet B-cycle
Container Protocols
Drop off bin location
Work with your B-cycle accredited Collector to determine the best methods
for managing your Drop off bin location, making it easy to receive used
batteries.
This will include locating the bin:
- in a safe and visible place with easy access for users (for both
public and non-public sites)
- in well-ventilated areas, indoors or undercover, and away from
direct sunlight or heat
- in a fixed location, easily accessible for collection by a B-cycle
accredited Collector
- in a location that prevents other waste being disposed of into bins
- in an area where batteries are not exposed to inclement or
excessively hot weather.
Maintain your Drop off bins
It is important to properly maintain your Drop off bins as they are the
public face of the Scheme.
Ensure that the bins are:
- kept in good condition
- not overflowing with batteries
- regularly serviced or picked up
- do not have the potential to cause harm to the community or users.
Notify your B-cycle accredited Collector immediately if there is any
damage to a B-cycle Drop off bin or any other reason for it to be removed
from the location.
Bin pickup
Work with your B-cycle accredited Collector to ensure collections occur in
a timely manner and any damage to a bin is fixed or the bin is replaced as
soon as possible.
Keep your Collector and B-cycle
informed
Ensure your Collector is aware when your bin is full.
- If you are concerned about the quality or safety of your drop off
collection process, contact your B-cycle Collector to let them know.
- If Collections at your Drop off point have to temporarily cease,
contact B-cycle immediately to ensure the database of accessible Drop
off points is updated for the Australian public.
- If there is any change that would prevent a collection from
occurring as planned at a Drop off point, notify your B-cycle
accredited Collector with at least 14 days advance notice. For
example:
- relocating the drop off bin
- relocation or closing your business
- changing operating hours or access.
Evidence of collection
- B-cycle accredited Collectors are required to take a geo-tagged
photo of the bin collection as proof of pick up.
- This is to prevent fraudulent rebate claims.
- It is important for employees to be aware that photos may be taken.
- B-cycle, or our independent auditors, may also contact Drop off
points to verify pick-ups have occurred as claimed.
Avoiding double counting
- Drop off points that collect electronic and other waste products
that may contain batteries should keep these batteries/products separate
from B-cycle in-scope batteries and document the procedure.
- These batteries cannot be submitted for the B-cycle rebates.
- Participants must provide data on out-of-scope batteries collected
and processed to confirm double counting of batteries does not occur.
Drop off point health checks
B-cycle will conduct audits of accredited Collectors that may include
occasional visits to Drop off points to assess safety and management of
the Drop off point services.
Risk assessment & safety
plan
Work with your B-cycle accredited Collector to prepare and implement a
risk assessment and safety plan that identifies hazards at your site and
the means by which you will minimise these risks.
Drop off point safety training
- It is important that Drop off point managers are aware of how to
safely manage Drop off points. B-cycle has mandatory Drop off point
Safety Training for Drop off point sites that can be conducted:
- via the B-cycle portal
- through your B-cycle accredited Collector
- or integrated into your internal training system. Evidence of
training completion is to be made available.