The new drop-off point can be found just inside the rear entrance of Kaiapoi’s Ruataniwha Civic Centre / Kaiapoi Library.

Council’s Waste Minimisation Officer, Maria Lamb, says the new recycling unit helps reduce the very real risks batteries pose to staff, equipment and the environment when placed in kerbside bins and bags.

“It’s easy to forget that batteries don’t belong in the rubbish, but even a quick decision like that can have real consequences,” she says.

“In the past two years, four battery-related fires have been recorded within our kerbside collection service and at waste facilities – one of which started in a collection truck, putting the driver directly at risk.”

The battery recycling unit, provided by Phoenix Recycling Group, is equipped with an internal fire suppression system and is remotely monitored for high temperatures. Residents can safely drop off unwanted and undamaged household batteries for free, from button cells through to power hand-tool batteries.

It’s advised that any exposed battery terminals are taped before being dropped into the collection unit. From there, the batteries are safely handled and shipped offshore to approved recycling facilities.

The types of batteries accepted at these collection points can be found on the Phoenix Recycling Group website.

At the start of 2025, Council replaced its battery collection station at Southbrook Resource Recovery Park with one from Phoenix Recycling Group. Since then, there have been many requests from residents to have a similar facility in Kaiapoi.

“Car batteries and other large batteries still need to be brought to the recycling area at either our Southbrook or Oxford Transfer Stations,” says Maria.

“The same also applies to other hazardous waste such as gas bottles, chemicals, explosives and flammable materials, automotive products, paints, solvents and household cleaners, and damaged or leaking household batteries.”

You can learn how to dispose of your hazardous waste at rethinkrubbish.co.nz.