Drop off electronic waste for safe disposal
Batteries and electronics can cause fires. Don’t put them in any bin.
Every year, thousands of fires start from batteries embedded inside everyday electronics that are disposed of incorrectly.
Electronics like smartphones, electric toothbrushes and laptops contain embedded rechargeable batteries. They’re built into devices, so you might not realise a battery is inside. Disposing of them incorrectly can cause fires in collection trucks and recycling facilities. In Victoria, it’s illegal to dispose of electronic waste (e-waste)* in any household or kerbside bin.
Keep your community safe and recycle valuable materials by taking them to a drop-off point.
*E-waste refers to any item with a battery, plug or cord that you no longer need. This includes everything from an old mobile phone or vacuum cleaner to a toaster or vape.
Use the interactive Recycle Mate map below to find drop off points for batteries and e-waste items in your council area.
Why it matters
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) estimates that they attend one fire a day caused by rechargeable batteries. When electronic items containing rechargeable batteries are crushed in collection or recycling trucks after being incorrectly disposed of in kerbside bins, they can catch alight. This puts the community at risk.
Dispose of e-waste the right way to give it new life. Recovered metals like copper and other valuable materials can create new products.
What is an embedded battery?
Items with embedded batteries are more common than you’d think. If a device lights up, makes a sound, moves, or needs charging, it has a hidden battery.
Even if something doesn’t work anymore, the battery inside can still hold power. It can be dangerous if it’s not disposed of safely.
Common items with embedded batteries include:
- Bluetooth speakers and headphones
- electric toothbrushes
- e-scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards
- flashing and light up toys
- personal care devices (e.g. shavers)
- powerpacks and portable charging devices
- remote controlled and ride-on toys
- vacuum cleaners (e.g. cordless hand-held and robotic)
- vapes
- wearable devices such as smartwatches, trackers and medical aids.
- power tools.
Steps for safe e-waste disposal
Take action
Check your home for e-waste and don’t throw it in your bins. Drop e-waste off at a collection point to protect your community and the environment.
Find a local drop-off point
Check your council’s website to find your nearest drop-off point.
You can also visit:
- Recycle Mate or Planet Ark to find local recycling options, including vapes.
- B-cycle to find drop-off points for AA and other size batteries, button and rechargeable batteries.
- Store used batteries safely
- cover the terminals of used batteries with clear sticky tape. This prevents sparking and reduces the risk of fire
- store taped batteries in a glass or plastic container that is not airtight (e.g. a jam jar or ice cream tub)
- do not store batteries in a metal container or with other metal objects
- store batteries in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources
- keep batteries away from children and pets.
Find a small act that works for you
There are many easy ways to reduce waste and recycle more. Find small acts that work for you and be part of Victoria’s sustainable future.
