Up to 95% of a battery’s materials can be recovered and used again.

Components and materials can be reused in new products from stainless steel and ceramics to electronic components and new batteries.

Battery recovery protects resources, reduces landfill waste, and prevents environmental harm caused by improper disposal.

By promoting safe disposal in stores, retailers can play a vital role in helping customers do the right thing.

Retailers are among the most trusted source of advice for consumers seeking to recycle used batteries and e-products.

Your business can make a big impact simply by raising awareness and helping guide customers to the right disposal options.

• Display awareness materials near checkouts, entry points or collection areas.
• Use the factsheet to help train staff so they can confidently answer basic questions about safe battery disposal and knowledge about what products you sell that contain batteries. Remember, some batteries may not be visible!
• Encourage customers to keep batteries and e-products out of kerbside bins and drop them off at recovery points.
• Raise awareness and guide customers by mentioning battery recovery when they purchase batteries or ask about safe disposal. Direct them to a nearby drop-off site or the Recycle Mate website or app for more information.

The easiest way to locate a nearby collection site is through RecycleMate.com.au or the free Recycle Mate App.

Simply download the App, enter your address and the app will identify all recycling locations in your area. Search for specific items or materials you want to recycle and the App will identify whether it can go in your Yellow Recycling Bin (based on your specific council) or a drop-off location near you. You can now even search using photos or barcodes from some products.

There are thousands of locations for thousands of products, from batteries to clothing and many more.

Recycle Mate is Australia’s leading national recycling education platform supporting governments, organisations and the community. Their approach promotes responsible waste disposal practices and empowers communities nationwide. By enhancing awareness and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, they seek to achieve sustainable outcomes that contribute to a circular economy.

Recycle Mate Sponsors

State and Federal Government investment and a vast array of program partners have enabled the development of a national recycling (and broader resource recovery) education platform that fosters collaboration. Recycle Mate is transforming the delivery of resource recovery information to the Australian community.

Become a Drop-Off Location

Join the growing network of retailers supporting battery and mobile phone recovery across Queensland.

If you sell batteries or battery-powered products you may want consider offering a way for customers to return used batteries or products to your store or a convenient location to meet ever-growing product stewardship expectations.

Some retailers find that becoming a battery drop-off location increases foot traffic as well as improved customer perception.

• Batteries – Learn more about becoming an accredited B-Cycle collector >
• Mobile phones – Learn more about becoming a Mobile Muster collection point >

Note: Only collect batteries or battery-powered products where safe and suitable to do so. Talk to B-Cycle or Mobile Muster about safe handling and storage.

During 2025-26, the National Retail Association is engaged by the Queensland Government to help educate retailers in safe battery disposal and recovery.

This initiative is proudly funded through the Queensland Government’s Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Need help? Contact us at sustainability@nationalretail.org.au