An initiative to help reduce the number of used batteries ending up in our landfill is now available at the Te Kūiti Transfer Station at Waitomo District Landfill.

A purpose-built battery recycling shed has recently been installed at the transfer station and can accept many different types of used batteries free of charge.

General Manager Infrastructure Services, Shyamal Ram says when batteries are disposed of incorrectly their metals can react with rainwater, releasing toxic substances that contaminate the soil and water.

“Corroded batteries pose a serious environmental risk. As batteries contain valuable and finite resources, recycling them not only prevents pollution but also enables the recovery and reuse of important materials.”

Some types of battery can also get very hot or ignite, resulting in fires.

“When your general rubbish or recycling is collected, any used batteries hiding in it are unintentionally likely to be squashed, compacted, punctured, shredded or soaked in liquids. When this happens, some types of battery can get very hot or ignite, resulting in fires which can cause hundreds of dollars of damage and disrupt your waste services,” says Shyamal.

Waitomo District Council is funding this service using money received from Central Government’s Waste Disposal Levy. The fund is distributed to local councils to support waste management and minimisation initiatives.

“By using these funds, we’re able to provide a free battery recycling service to our community—ensuring batteries are disposed of more safely, reducing environmental harm, and supporting responsible waste practices,” says Shyamal.

Batteries acceptable for recycling:

• Mixed batteries
• Alkaline - primary (single use)
• Button cell batteries
• Lead acid batteries (ULAB)
• Lithium batteries - primary (single use)
• Li-Ion batteries - secondary (rechargeable)
• Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)
• Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
• Sodium Nickel Chloride (NaNiCl2)
• Rechargeable batteries

Car batteries

Waitomo District Landfill does accept car batteries, however they are not part of this programme. There will be a cost associated with disposing car batteries.

For more information about this battery recycling initiative, please visit our webpage