Battery Disposal

Replacing an old battery? RechargeNZ encourages customers to recycle or dispose of the battery being replaced responsibly.

Old batteries should not be placed in household rubbish or kerbside recycling unless your local authority specifically permits it. Batteries can contain materials that require appropriate recycling or disposal.

Disposing of Your Old Replacement Battery

If you're replacing a battery from a vacuum cleaner, power tool, speaker, camera, laptop or other device, check with:

• Your local council or recycling centre

• An authorised battery collection or recycling provider

• Participating retailers that accept the relevant battery type

Battery collection services vary by location and battery type, so it is best to confirm that the collection point accepts your battery before taking it there.

If Your Old Battery Is Damaged

Some customers replace batteries because the original battery has become damaged or deteriorated.

If the battery you are replacing is swollen, cracked, leaking, unusually hot or otherwise showing signs of damage, do not place it in normal household rubbish or recycling.

Contact your local council, recycling centre or an appropriate battery recycling provider and ask for disposal guidance before transporting it.

KEILO and Larger Battery Packs

Larger lithium battery packs, including those used in electric bikes, may require different recycling arrangements from smaller household batteries.

Do not place a large lithium battery pack in household rubbish or kerbside recycling.

Contact your local council, battery recycler or hazardous-waste collection service and confirm that they can accept the battery before taking it there.

Outside New Zealand

Battery recycling and disposal requirements vary between countries.

Customers outside New Zealand should follow local regulations and use an appropriate battery recycling or hazardous-waste service.

Need Help?

If you're unsure what type of battery you are replacing, RechargeNZ can help identify the battery type.

For current disposal and recycling locations, your local council or authorised battery recycling provider will generally be the best source of local information.