Embedded Batteries Disposal trial underway at GWMC

Published: 21 May 2025 2:06pm

Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC) is currently participating in an Embedded Batteries Disposal trial in an effort to reduce the number of batteries going into landfill.

The statewide Embedded Batteries Disposal trial is an initiative of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in place until September 2026.

Embedded batteries are typically present in rechargeable devices such as cordless speakers, electric toothbrushes, e-scooters, toys, shavers, vacuum cleaners, vapes and wearable devices such as smart watches.

When these products reach their end of life they need to be disposed of safely and in a way that the materials they are made of can be recycled.

It is unsafe to dispose of any kind of batteries in your kerbside bins, embedded batteries are especially problematic because when they are exposed to heat, water or physical damage (i.e. compacted in a garbage bin), they can start an electrical fire, putting you, our staff, our contracted staff and the environment at risk.

GWMC Facilities Manager Andrea Baldwin said the recycling of embedded batteries is important.

“By collecting your items with embedded batteries, we can support innovation in the recycling industry and increase the chance of reclaiming the materials used in battery construction,” Ms Baldwin said.

“Batteries are embedded into so many of our everyday devices and we need our community to help support safe disposal of these items, so they don’t end up in landfill."

The EPA Embedded Batteries disposal trial runs until September 2026. Gregadoo Waste Management Centre is located at 132 Ashfords Road and is open daily 7am – 4:30pm.

Don’t forget to check out our list of other items accepted by at GWMC Community Recycling Centre (CRC) that can be dropped off for free.