Council Encourages Residents to Responsibly Dispose of Used Batteries

Published on 18 August 2023

Cessnock City Council is urging residents to dispose of batteries safely at free drop-off facilities available at Cessnock City Library, Kurri Kurri Library, the Council Administration Building, and the Cessnock Waste Management Centre.

Recent data from Fire and Rescue NSW reveals a 20 per cent year on year increase in battery-related fires and explosions in New South Wales in the first half of 2023.

Cessnock City Council Mayor, Jay Suvaal stressed the importance of responsible battery disposal.

"Batteries discarded in general waste pose a significant risk, and can lead to fires, explosions, and other hazardous incidents, as evidenced by the rising number of incidents across the State," said Clr Suvaal.

"To combat this, Council provides convenient and free battery drop-off locations. Residents can use these facilities to responsibly dispose of batteries and reduce the risk of fires and environmental harm.

"Council is encouraging residents to make use of their closest collection site, whether that’s one of Council’s drop-off locations or those offered at retailors such as Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings, and Officeworks.

"It’s better for the environment and also much safer."

To spread awareness of the safe disposal of batteries, Tim Campbell, a staff member at the Cessnock Community Recycling Centre recently featured in a short video created by Hunter Joint Organisation on their ‘Small Acts Big Change’ YouTube channel.

In addition to single use batteries, local residents can safely dispose of electrical items with embedded batteries, such as mobile phones and laptops, at the Cessnock Waste Management Centre free of charge.

More information is available here on Council’s website or to see the video search ‘Small Acts Big Change YouTube.’