Aucklanders are being urged to keep batteries and electronic devices out of kerbside bins ahead of International E-Waste Day on 14 October, after batteries were linked to at least 11 fires at Auckland's recycling facility and 17 rubbish and recycling truck fires in the past year.
Lithium-ion batteries found in everyday items such as phones, laptops, power tools, toys, vapes and rechargeable household devices can catch fire if they are crushed or damaged during collection and sorting.
Yet the same batteries that pose a fire risk when disposed of incorrectly also contain valuable materials that can be recovered through specialist recycling.
Auckland Council General Manager Waste Solutions Justine Haves says many electronic items still have value long after they've been replaced by newer models.
“Too often, people think of old electronics as rubbish when they could still be repaired, refurbished or reused. And if a device has reached the end of its life, specialist recyclers can recover valuable materials that would otherwise be lost.”
Keeping batteries and e-waste out of kerbside collections protects people, property and recycling infrastructure says Ms Haves.
“A single battery in the wrong place can cause significant damage and put workers and facilities at risk.
“The good news is Aucklanders have options. Organisations such as Recycle A Device, Abilities and Echo Tech can safely assess electronics for reuse and ensure materials are recovered when products can no longer be repaired.”
When lithium-ion batteries are recycled, the valuable minerals inside them are concentrated into a material known as black mass. Those minerals can then be recovered and used to make new batteries and other products.
“In effect, yesterday's phone or drill battery can help provide the raw materials for tomorrow's battery,” says Ms Haves.
International E-Waste Day, held annually on 14 October, highlights the importance of repairing, reusing and recycling electronic products rather than throwing them away.
Haves says International E-Waste Day is a timely reminder for Aucklanders to clear out unwanted electronics and make sure they are handled safely and responsibly.
“Whether it's an old mobile phone, laptop, charger, power tool or rechargeable battery, the best place for it is with a specialist reuse or recycling service, not in your kerbside bin.”
Aucklanders can find more local battery and e-waste drop-off options on the Auckland Council website.
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