Power down the risk: Dispose of batteries safely
Whyalla City Council is reminding residents to safely dispose of household batteries, highlighting the importance of proper disposal to protect both the environment and the community.
Improper battery disposal is a growing concern across Australia, with batteries posing serious risks when placed in general waste or kerbside bins. Batteries can spark and ignite when damaged or crushed, leading to fires in collection trucks, waste facilities and directly effects the disruption of service.
In addition to fire risks, batteries contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and cadmium, which can leak into soil and groundwater if sent to landfill.
Where to dispose of batteries in Whyalla
Residents have several free and convenient drop-off locations across the city, including:
- Whyalla City Council Civic Building (21 Grundel Street)
- Whyalla Public Library (19 Ekblom Street)
- Local supermarkets including ALDI, Foodland and Coles
- Veolia Waste and Resources Transfer Station (41 Industry Drive)
Car batteries can also be taken to local recyclers and the transfer station for safe disposal.
These accessible options make it easy for residents to do the right thing and avoid illegal dumping.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Collect used batteries separately from household waste
- Tape battery terminals (especially lithium batteries) to prevent sparks
- Drop them off at a designated recycling location
- Embedded batteries are not to be placed in the battery bins
Illegal dumping and improper disposal not only harm the environment but also create unnecessary clean-up costs for the community. Council continues to encourage residents to take pride in their city and use the many free disposal services available.
Whyalla City Council Waste Officer, Charuka Sanduni, said small actions can make a big difference.
“It’s easy to forget about old batteries sitting in a drawer, but how we dispose of them really matters. By taking a few minutes to drop them off at a recycling point, you’re helping to keep our waste collection trucks and facilities safe and keeping our community safe. It’s a simple step that goes a long way in looking after Whyalla.”
Council encourages all residents to dispose of batteries responsibly and report illegal dumping when it occurs, helping our community Enjoy Whyalla!