Where and how to recycle batteries

Bunnings battery recycling program

Our national battery recycling program is free and easy to use. As of June 2022, all Bunnings stores will have a battery recycling unit, making it convenient for customers and tradies to drop off their used batteries with confidence, knowing they’ll be recycled. That means less waste, keeping harmful substances out of the environment and recovering valuable natural resources. Prior to June 2022, please contact your local store to ask whether this service is available yet.

Going in circles

We sell a wide range of batteries, from household to power tool batteries. With our national battery recycling program, 95 percent of battery components can be reused. That means we’re able to come full-circle, recycling what we sell to be repurposed into new batteries or to be used in other industries.

How to recycle batteries

It's easy! Simply bring your old batteries in-store and deposit them in the collection unit at the front entrance. Then, our recycling partner Envirostream will manage the collection and recycling process.

It's recommended to tape your batteries before placing them in your local collection unit, as used batteries may still contain residual charge that can create a spark, leading to a potential fire hazard. Preventing this is as simple as using clear sticky tape, non-conductive electrical tape, or duct tape over the exposed battery terminal, or on the top and bottom face for button cell batteries. Please be mindful to keep the battery label information visible if you're not using clear tape.

What kind of batteries can be recycled?

Our battery recycling units are designed to accept household single use and rechargeable batteries, such as:

• AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, 6V
• Power tool batteries
• Button cell batteries
• Other handheld-sized batteries that fit into the collection unit slot

We cannot accept lead acid batteries, car batteries, products with embedded batteries or other batteries that do not fit into the battery collection unit slot.

Contamination from unaccepted battery types or other forms of waste in our recycling unit can be a hazard for our Team and customers. Please ask our Team if you're unsure whether your batteries can be accepted in the unit.

The national battery recycling program provides the largest network of household and power tool battery retailer recycling locations in New Zealand, making it easy and convenient for all customers.

I’m in! What do I do now?

If you'd like to drop off batteries before June 2022, please give your local store a call to check whether their battery recycling unit is available for use. Then, simply take your old batteries in-store, deposit them in the collection units and Envirostream will recycle them responsibly, giving you peace of mind that you’re keeping valuable resources out of landfill.