Don’t Bin Your Batteries

Published on 17 September 2025

Three New Safe Battery Recycling Units for Oamaru

Batteries don’t belong in your bin. When thrown out with rubbish, they can spark fires in wheelie bins, rubbish trucks, and landfills — putting people, property, and the environment at risk.

To help stop battery fires before they start, Waitaki District Council has installed three new Safe Battery Recycling Units in Oamaru.

You’ll now find these fire-resistant units at:

• Waitaki Resource Recovery Park

• Oamaru Transfer Station

• Mitre 10 Oamaru

These units are designed to take all your household batteries safely, including:

• Everyday AA, AAA and other standard batteries

• Rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion, Ni-Cd, NiMH)

• Batteries embedded in small devices such as toys, vapes, remotes, and torches

Why it matters: Fires caused by discarded batteries are on the rise across New Zealand. Each fire threatens lives, damages essential waste services, and costs communities dearly. By simply dropping off your used batteries at one of our units, you’re helping keep Waitaki safe.

The three new units are funded through the Government’s Waste Levy, so there is no cost to ratepayers.

Next time your batteries go flat, remember: Don’t bin them. Recycle them. Together, we can keep batteries out of landfills — and keep our community safe.

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz