It will soon be easier for Surf Coast Shire residents to recycle batteries and small e-waste items, with new collection containers about to be spread across the shire in convenient locations.
It's part of a new campaign from Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government to help raise awareness about the safe disposal of batteries and e-waste.
Keep batteries and e-waste out of your kerbside bins
Batteries and e-waste should never go in kerbside bins, so the collection containers are the safest and most environmentally friendly way to dispose of items such as old and broken mobile phones, ipads, hairdryers, electric toothbrushes and vapes as well as loose and embedded batteries.
E-waste has been banned from landfill in Victoria since 2019, but many batteries are still being incorrectly placed in household rubbish bins.
When single use batteries and electronics end up in kerbside bins or landfill, they pose serious risks. Lithium-ion batteries can ignite when crushed in garbage trucks or recycling facilities, causing dangerous fires that endanger waste workers and the community. They also leach toxic chemicals into the environment.
Better access, safer recycling, a healthier environment
"By providing more accessible recycling options, we're helping prevent harmful materials from entering landfill and protecting our local environment for future generations," Surf Coast Shire Cr Leon Walker said.
"We know many people want to recycle the right way, but we get that convenience matters. These new locations will make it easier to take that extra step and recycle responsibly."
Drop off locations
From 6 May, residents will be able to drop off batteries and small e-waste items for free at:
- Anglesea Community House
- Deans Marsh Community Cottage
- Feed Me Surf Coast, Torquay
- Lorne Foodworks supermarket
- Torquay residential waste drop off site
- Torquay Community House
- Torquay Library
- Surf Coast Wholefoods
- Winchelsea Community House
- Wurdi Baierr Stadium
This is in addition to the current battery and e-waste collection locations:
- Anglesea Transfer Station
- Lorne Transfer Station
- Winchelsea Transfer Station
- Surf Coast Shire Council Office, Torquay
* Large e-waste items can be dropped off for free at the transfer stations.
Find out what items are accepted at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/ewaste.
The e-waste and battery recycling project supports delivery of Council's Circular Economy Action Plan (2024-2027).
