When batteries and gas bottles are put in your household bins, they can start fires in your bins or the trucks that collect them. They are a risk to your property and the people who empty your bins.
Never put these items in any bin.
Batteries
Never put batteries in any household bin.
Batteries contain toxic substances and can pose risks to you, your property and the people who empty your bins. This includes batteries from laptops, mobile phones, cameras, power tools and toys. These hazardous materials pollute the environment when disposed of in landfill.
Recycle your used batteries instead.
Recycling used batteries means we can make the most of existing resources and rely less on mining new materials.
To find out more about battery recycling and to find your nearest battery drop off location, visit the following websites,
Here are some simple tips to ensure your batteries are stored safely at home before taking them to a drop-off point:
- Tape the battery ends using clear sticky tape to prevent sparking and reduce the risk of fire
- Don’t keep batteries in metal containers or with other metal objects
- Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from heat sources
- Keep batteries away from children and pets
Gas bottles and cannisters
Never put gas bottles and cannisters in any household bins.
Gas bottles and canisters such as those filled with butane, propane and helium are a risk to your property and the people who empty your bins. These canisters can lead to explosions if they are damaged in bins, collections trucks or processing facilities.
They must be disposed of through a specialised recycling service, like Swap N Go for BBQ gas bottles.
To find out how to recycle different types of gas bottles and cannisters visit the Recycle Mate website.
Find out where to recycle or dispose of gas bottles and cannisters near you by visiting the Recycling Near You website.
Download the A to Z Waste and Recycling Guide below to help you sort your waste items correctly.
Download Council's A to Z Waste and Recycling Guide - 1.39MB