Battery Recycling
Battery Recycling
Battery Recycling
To assist in reducing waste and increasing recycling, residents' household dry cell and lithium batteries are accepted at no additional charge.
Last updated on: 17 November 2025
Battery Recycling
Batteries contain valuable metals such as zinc, manganese and steel, all of which are in limited supply. Separating and recycling batteries reduces the amount of these metals sent to landfill and helps prevent contamination of compost at alternative waste treatment plants.
Around 80% of batteries used by Australians are single-use. Although they are recyclable, 97% (about 8,000 tonnes) still end up in landfill each year, where they can leach toxic materials into waterways and ecosystems.
Because batteries are flammable, corrosive and toxic, they must not be placed in kerbside bins. Instead, drop used batteries at the City's authorised battery recycling collection points.
Battery recycling in the City
To keep batteries out of general waste and recycling bins, and to minimise the risk of fires in collection trucks, City of South Perth residents can drop off household dry cell and lithium batteries free of charge at the Recycling Centre in Como and at our libraries in South Perth and Manning.
The City's purpose-built battery disposal units (located at the Recycling Centre in Como and at our libraries in South Perth and Manning) make it simple and safe to recycle used batteries. Each collection point includes an Ecobatt mixed battery recycling bin suitable for both lithium-ion and dry cell household batteries. Old mobile phones can also be placed in the bins for recycling.
These fire-resistant bins feature capacity indicators, fire detection systems, temperature monitoring and automatic alerts to facility managers if any fire risk is detected.
Batteries are collected free of charge by Eco-cycle, a participant in the National Battery Recycling Scheme.
Tips
Use sticky tape
If battery terminals touch, they can spark and create a fire hazard. To prevent this, tape the terminals of used batteries before storing and dropping off. Always use clear sticky tape.
Separate lithium-ion from household batteries
Lithium-ion batteries can combust easily. Some have caught fire simply from contact with moisture - making them especially dangerous in kerbside recycling bins. Please dispose of them safely in the dedicated collection bins at the Recycling Centre and at our libraries.
Batteries accepted
Batteries accepted include:
- Lithium-ion
- Household dry-cell batteries such as:
- AA and AAA cells (single use and rechargeable)
- C and D size batteries
- Button batteries (used in watches and toys)
- 9V batteries
- 6V batteries (used in torches and lanterns)
Collection points
Battery collection points are located at:
- City of South Perth Recycling Centre - 199 Thelma St, Como
- Manning Library - 2 Conochie Ave, Manning
- South Perth Library - Cnr Sandgate St & South Tce, South Perth
Recycling Centre information
Location: 199 Thelma Street (corner Hayman Road), Como
Phone: 9474 0970
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 8am - 2pm
Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays
Payment Methods: Recycling Centre entry vouchers, cash, EFTPOS, Visa, or Mastercard
Free recycling is not applicable for commercial businesses.
Weekends
Please arrive no later than 1.45pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
View Recycling Centre map
Thank you for providing feedback.
We will use this information to improve this page.