All battery components, when discarded, contribute to the pollution of the environment. Components, such as steel, nickel and plastics add to the volume of landfills since they decompose slowly. Of most concern, however, are the heavy metal components which, when discarded, can be toxic to plants, animals and humans. Cadmium, lead and mercury, in particular, are the heavy metal components most likely to be the target of environmental concerns.
Battery manufacturing is the largest single user of lead in the world.
In Australia, over 75 per cent, or nearly sixteen million people, own a mobile phone and exchange it on average every 18 – 24 months. Which can really add up, when considering the big picture.
What can we do?
Batteries options
- reduce battery usage by using AC adapters whenever possible, for example when using portable devices at home.
- choose rechargeable batteries whenever possible over single-use batteries. The additional cost of rechargeable batteries and the recharger can be quickly recovered through savings from multiple uses. Common secondary cells include nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lead acid and rechargeable alkaline batteries.
- it is now possible to recharge ordinary (primary) alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries using special recharging techniques. See the REZAP website. A basic unit can be bought for $34.95. Rechargers are also available from Kmart; Energizer Recharge Value Charger $25.00.
- exercise consumer choice by buying non-toxic batteries (zinc carbon, alkaline, nickel metal hydride and lithium-ion) wherever possible in preference to batteries containing toxic materials (lead acid, nickel cadmium, mercury oxide). This will send a clear signal on consumer demand to manufacturers, and will also expand the market for non-toxic batteries, eventually reducing their cost.
Battery recycling
Central Coast Council
The Central Coast Council has implemented a free recycling program for residents to bring in their unwanted household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V, Button), compact fluorescent light globes and fluorescent tubes to collection points around the Central Coast.
Batteries and fluorescent lights contain harmful elements such as mercury, alkaline and lead-acid, which can cause major environmental hazards and can also pose health risks if they end up in landfills.
For more information about recycling, visit the Cleanaway websites Light globe and battery recycling page.
Aldi supermarkets
Aldi supermarkets offer free battery recycling services at all their Australian stores. Any brand of AA, AAA, C, D and 9V batteries (both rechargeable and non-rechargeable) are accepted. Simply drop your used batteries into the dedicated bins in store. For other services and for options for different battery types (Such as buttons and 12 volts) visit Aldi websites recycling page.
Planet Ark recycling
The Planet Ark site contains information about the recycling and waste services offered by your council as well as local drop-off options for items including computers, batteries, printer cartridges, mobile phones and many more. To find options near you use the Search function above or call the recycling hot line: 1300 733 712 (Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm EST).
Visit the Planet Ark Battery page for recycling facilities near you.
Mobile phone recycling
Mobile Muster
Mobile Muster provides a free mobile phone recycling program that accepts all brands and types of mobile phones, plus their batteries, chargers and accessories. It is the mobile phone industry's way of ensuring old mobile phone products don't end up in landfills - but instead are recycled in a safe, secure and ethical way.
Below are some helpful links and contact details for the disposal of mobile phones, batters and other electronic items:
Australian Recycling Program
The Australian Recycling Program (ARP) is Australia's first Mobile Phone Recycling program that provides a solution to help clean up the environment while at the same time helping charities.
You can now recycle your mobile phones in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, the ARP way.
By recycling your spare mobile phone, you are:
• helping a charity of your choice
• preserving the environment by keeping your unused mobile phone out of landfills and recycling it back into re-use.
For further information on the program and to recycle your phone, visit the ARP website.
Affiliated Charities
The Australian Recycling Program partners with hard-working charitable organisations to help them through mobile phone recycling collections.
Giving your unused phone to one of the charities, you will be making a contribution to helping these organisations continue their good work while at the same time helping clean up the environment by diverting toxic substances contained in mobile phones from entering landfills.
So if you think helping through mobile phone recycling is a good idea, simply select a charity from the list and contact them directly to arrange to send your phone for recycling.
To help these charities visit the ARP websites Affiliated Charities webpage.
To contact the APR you may use the following details.
Adress: Factory 29, 260 Wickham Road, Highett, Victoria 3190
Tel: +61 3 9532 1237
Fax: +61 3 9532 0274
Email: info@arp.net.au
Website: http://www.arp.net.au/.
Address: 
