Rubbish & recycling  |  Yesterday

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Christchurch residents have new options for safely disposing of household batteries with upgraded, fire resistant collection units.

Over the last year there have been 31 fires across the collection service, with 26 at the EcoDrop transfer stations, two at the EcoSort (recycling processing facility), one at the organics processing facility and two in kerbside trucks.

Batteries that can be dropped into the collection units:
  • Embedded: mobile phones, smoke alarms, vapes, electric toothbrushes
  • Household: alkaline, lithium, nickel, cadmium, nickel metal hydride
  • Tools: li-ion, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride

Car batteries can be dropped off at any Ecodrop Resource Recovery Centre for free  

The EcoDrop Resource Recovery Centres do not accept batteries from electric vehicles, e-scooters, e-bikes, solar panels or any commercial sources. These can be taken to a commercial battery recycler such as Phoenix Recycling Group.

During this period, the battery recycling service collected over 15,000kg of batteries for safe disposal.

Resource Recovery Manager Dr Alec McNeil says recent upgrades to the current battery receptables at the EcoDrop Resource Recovery Centres and EcoShop will make this service safer with improved fire detection.

“Batteries should not be disposed of in any wheelie bins or directly into the transfer station pit as they can become damaged and cause a fire,” Dr McNeil says.

“Our new units are fitted with fire suppression and heat sensor technology, and fire-resistant liners, making the process a lot safer for residents, staff and our sites.”

The upgraded stations have 24/7 monitoring, meaning staff or FENZ are notified immediately when there is an indication that a fire has started, or conditions suggest a potential fire risk.

“Batteries are a small item with a big risk, and fires come with significant costs,” Dr McNeil says.

“It’s free to dispose of most common household batteries using these collection units, and we really encourage people to use them.”

The upgraded receptables are located at the Parkhouse, Metro and Styx Mill EcoDrop Resource Recovery Centres, and the Blenheim Road EcoShop.

Next year, units will be installed at the Barry’s Bay transfer station in Banks Peninsula, along with three units in additional locations.

Find further information on all battery drop off locations across Christchurch and Canterbury on our website.