General Questions
What is B-cycle?
B-cycle is Australia’s official battery recycling Scheme. The Scheme is administered by the Battery Stewardship Council, Australia’s national battery stewardship organisation.
B-cycle offers convenient Drop off points for all Australians and businesses to recycle their used batteries.
Unlike other battery recycling programs, B-cycle has strict processes to track and verify that every used battery you drop off is properly recycled and made into new products.
The Scheme is authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
What should I do with my used batteries?
Tape the terminals of used batteries with clear sticky tape (this prevents fires), store them in a fire-resistant container like a glass jar, and take them to B-cycle Drop off point. There are thousands of locations across Australia.
Learn about safe battery recycling here.
Check what battery types are accepted here.
Find your nearest Drop off point here.
Where can I drop off my batteries?
The good news is that 95% of Australians live within 15 minutes drive of a Drop off point. Find your nearest B-cycle Drop off point here.
Learn about safe battery storage here.
Any business, school or organisation is eligible to become an accredited Drop off point, and start working with an accredited B-cycle collector who will transport in bulk your batteries to a recycler. Learn more about setting up a Drop off point here.
Why can’t I throw batteries away in my regular rubbish or recycling bin?
Used batteries should never go in your household rubbish or recycling bin. They can be crushed or damaged during collection and processing, causing sparks and fires.
When batteries are sent to landfill, they can corrode over time and release hazardous materials into soil and waterways, harming wildlife and people.
Learn about safe battery recycling here.
Do I have to tape the ends of every battery I drop off?
If battery terminals touch, they can spark and catch fire. To prevent this, tape the terminals of used batteries with clear sticky tape.
Different batteries have terminals in different places. Regular batteries like AA have terminals at both ends, while others, like 9-volt batteries, have two terminals at the same end. Button battery terminals are on the base and should be covered in clear tape on all sides.
See photos and videos on safely taping batteries here.
What happens to the tape used to protect battery terminals during the battery recycling process?
In order to meet regulatory requirements for transport of dangerous goods and to provide the highest safety standards, protecting the terminals of batteries is required to prevent harm to people and property.
This also has benefits for environmental protection. Taping is a simple and effective way to protect the terminals and prevent fire.
Recyclers use a variety of processes to separate soft plastics, such as tape and other battery plastic components. These soft plastics may then be diverted from landfill and sent for recycling.
Our battery recyclers are continuously working to improve recovery rates for all battery components, not just the minerals, to maximise the amount of material that is recycled. The B-cycle Scheme rebates are providing important financial support for recyclers to have confidence to upgrade their processes to improve recovery rates.
Do I need to pay to drop off my used batteries?
No. It’s 100% free for everyday Australians and businesses to take their used batteries to a B-cycle Drop off point. If you have more than 1 kg of batteries, please call the Drop off point to make sure they’re able to accept the quantity and type of batteries you have.
Check what battery types are accepted here.
Find your nearest Drop off point here.
What types of batteries can I recycle with B-cycle?
B-cycle accepts small, loose and easily removable batteries, including standard household batteries such as AA and AAA, button batteries, rechargeable batteries and power banks. It also accepts easily removeable batteries from devices like hearing aids, power tools, and digital cameras, as well as e-micromobility batteries from e-bikes and e-scooters.
View the full list of B-cycle accepted batteries here.
B-cycle Drop off points do not accept batteries from vapes, solar panels, home energy storage systems or caravans, or batteried embedded in devices. For batteries not accepted by B-cycle, contact your local council or transfer station to find out where they can be safely recycled.
Alternative recycling services are available for certain batteries not accepted by B-cycle.
Find a Drop off point for lead-acid batteries with ABRI.
Find a Drop off point for mobile batteries with Mobile Muster.
Find a Drop off point for laptop and computer batteries with NTCRS.
Can I B-cycle phone or laptop batteries?
No, B-cycle doesn’t accept phone or laptop batteries or devices, as these are collected by other stewardship schemes.
Find a Drop off point for mobile batteries with Mobile Muster.
Find a Drop off point for laptop and computer batteries with NTCRS.
How is B-cycle operated and funded?
B-cycle is administered by the non-profit, independent, government-backed organisation, the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC).
The BSC was established to ensure a responsible life-cycle for every battery, to keep Australia clean and safe, and safeguard Earth’s precious resources.
B-cycle was initially funded by a $1m Federal Government grant, and matching industry funding. From January 2022, B-cycle accredited battery importers pay a voluntary levy to support offsetting battery recycling costs. This levy is included in the price of B-cycle accredited batteries, which makes the Scheme viable over the long term.
I have a lot of batteries. How many can I take to a Drop off point?
There is 5kg Drop off limit, however if you have more than 1 kg of batteries, please call the Drop off point to make sure they’re able to accept the quantity and type of batteries you have. Dropping off large quantities of batteries could overfill storage containers, creating a safety hazard.
If you have a large stockpile of legacy batteries (more than 5 kg), contact a B-cycle accredited Collector here for advice on safely recycling them.
What happens to batteries after I drop them off?
Every B-cycle Drop off point has partnered with accredited battery collectors and recyclers, to make sure that your batteries are safely managed, recycled and remade into something new.
Your used batteries get processed back to their foundational elements, including plastic, nickel, steel and lithium, and then given a new life as metal tools, computer parts, or brand new batteries.
Can I use the B-cycle logo, marketing materials, and bin stickers?
You can only use B-cycle branding if you are an accredited member of the B-cycle Scheme. For safety and legal reasons, we cannot allow B-cycle labels and stickers to be placed on containers that are not part of the accredited recycling network.
If you are a Retailer, please join B-cycle as an accredited Retailer here.
If you have a battery Drop off bin at your organisation, please become an accredited B-cycle Drop off point here.
Once you receive accreditation, B-cycle can share access to our digital branding assets.
What do you do with the tape and plastic bags that batteries are dropped off in?
Regulations and safety requirements mean that all battery terminals need to be protected (e.g. with clear sticky tape) during transport, to reduce the risk of fire.
Battery recycling processes include separating out soft plastics, including tape, plastic bags, and other battery plastic components. These soft plastics can then be diverted from landfill and recycled.
B-cycle accredited battery Recyclers are continuously working to improve recycling rates, including plastic.
Do I get cash back for dropping off batteries?
No, B-cycle is not a cash-back Scheme.
The main reason that large-scale battery recycling failed in the past is that it is too expensive to transport batteries from Drop off points to recycling facilities.
To solve this problem, B-cycle provides financial rebates to accredited collectors when they transport batteries in bulk from Drop off points to recyclers. This helps to create a cleaner and safer Australia for everyone.
Can I B-cycle vapes or e-cigarettes?
No, you can’t B-cycle a vape or e-cigarette.
Contact your local council or transfer station for safe disposal options.
Safety
How can I safely store used batteries at home?
Store in a cool, dry place, in a non-airtight glass container out of reach of children. Find more safety tips here.
I have a battery that is badly damaged or swollen. What should I do?
Badly damaged, swollen or bulging batteries can be a fire risk and must be managed safely.
Please do not bring these batteries to a B-cycle Drop off point, or throw them in your household rubbish or recycling bins.
Instead, place the battery in a fire-resistant container, such as a non-airtight glass container. Contact your local council or transfer station to find out whether it can safely accept damaged batteries. If they are unable to assist, contact a B-cycle accredited Collector for advice on safe disposal.
To help prevent battery damage, follow our safe storage advice.
My battery is leaking. What should I do?
If your batteries are leaking, but otherwise look normal, handle them with gloves to prevent exposure to hazardous materials. Place the leaking battery into a zip lock plastic bag and B-cycle it at a Drop off Point. Dispose of your gloves and wash your hands to remove any residue.
How do I safely prepare collected batteries for drop off?
It’s important that battery terminals (the end bits) don’t touch, as this can cause them to spark and ignite. The safest way to transport used batteries to a B-cycle Drop off point is to tape the end terminals with clear sticky tape, and place them in a glass container. Make sure you don’t cover the brand name or battery chemistry information. Please don’t put batteries into paper bags, as this creates a fire hazard.
This applies to all batteries, including AA, AAA, button batteries, lithium/rechargeable batteries, and batteries with two terminals at the same end like 9V batteries.
Battery Collectors, Sorters and Processors
Do I need to be an ABRI member to become a B-cycle accredited Collector, Sorter or Recycler?
Yes, you need to become a member of the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI). You can commence the B-cycle application process without ABRI membership, but you must obtain ABRI membership to become a B-cycle accredited battery collector, sorter or recycler.
Learn more about joining ABRI here.
Drop off point
What is the cost of setting up a Drop off point?
As a Drop off point, you provide a collection bin for your organisation, school or broader community to safely drop off their used batteries. You then work with an accredited B-cycle collector, who will give you advice on your bin, and collect and transport the batteries to an accredited recycling facility. B-cycle does not provide this battery collection service ourselves.
Your collector will charge a fee for battery collection, and this cost depends on which collector you choose to go with. This cost is substantially subsidised by B-cycle, with rebates paid to battery collectors, sorters and recyclers. Please note that Drop off points can not receive rebates.
Can I earn rebates as a Drop off point?
No, Drop off points can not receive rebates.
The main reason that large-scale battery recycling failed in the past is that it is too expensive to transport batteries from Drop off points to recycling facilities.
To solve this problem, B-cycle provides financial rebates to accredited Collectors when they transport batteries in bulk from Drop off points to Recyclers. This helps to create a cleaner and safer Australia for everyone.
Does B-cycle provide the battery Drop off bin?
No, B-cycle doesn’t provide Drop off bins.
As a Drop off point, you provide a collection bin for your organisation, school or broader community to safely drop off their used batteries. You then work with an accredited B-cycle collector, who will give you advice on selecting a bin, and collect and transport the batteries to an accredited recycling facility. B-cycle does not provide this battery collection service ourselves.
After you join B-cycle, you’ll be guided through online safety training, including how to safely set up and manage your Drop off bin.
How frequently are batteries collected from my Drop off point?
This depends on the Collector you work with. During the sign up process to become a Drop off point, you will form an agreement with a B-cycle accredited collector who will pick up batteries in bulk from your Drop off location, and transport them to a recycling facility. You can work with your collector to figure out a collection schedule that works for you.
Retailer
Can I be a B-cycle accredited Retailer without also being a Drop off point?
Yes, you can participate in the B-cycle Scheme as a retailer without being a Drop off point. Please see here for more information about being a B-cycle Retailer.
