If you’re searching for battery recycling in Nelson, or battery recycling in Richmond, or wondering where to dispose of batteries near me, here’s exactly where to go.
Household batteries – including AA, AAA, button, rechargeable and lithium-ion (up to small power-tool size) – can be dropped off free of charge at several locations in Nelson and Richmond.
And super important: do NOT put batteries in your rubbish or kerbside recycling bin. Why? Because they regularly cause fires in rubbish trucks and at the York Valley landfill site!
Quick Answer: Where Can I Recycle Batteries?
You can recycle household batteries for free at:
- Nelson City Council Customer Service Centre – 110 Trafalgar Street
- Nelson Waste Recovery Centre – Vivian Place
- Nelson Environment Centre – also located at the Waste Recovery Centre site
Tasman District Council Service Centre – 189 Queen Street, Richmond(Update: Tasman Service Centres are no longer accepting batteries)- Richmond Resource Recovery Centre – Fittal Street, Richmond
- Bunnings stores (small household batteries)
Battery Recycling in Nelson
Battery Recycling Nelson City (CBD Option)
If you’re looking for battery recycling in Nelson city, the easiest in-town option is:
Nelson City Council Customer Service Centre
110 Trafalgar Street
Small quantities of household batteries can be dropped off here free of charge. Ideal if you’re already in the CBD and don’t want to drive to the tip.
For larger drop-offs, head to:
Nelson Waste Recovery Centre – Vivian Place
Loose household batteries are accepted free of charge. This is the main official battery disposal location in Nelson.
The Nelson Environment Centre, located on the same site, also accepts batteries and can be a convenient option for smaller loads.
Battery Recycling in Richmond
Battery Recycling Richmond City (Queen Street)
If you’re searching for battery recycling in Richmond city, the closest option is now the Resource Recovery Centre in Fittal St. Or Bunnings in Saxton Road.
The Tasman District Council Service Centre (189 Queen Street, Richmond) are no longer accepting batteries. This is due to safety concerns over storing high capacity lithium-ion batteries.
Richmond Resource Recovery Centre (Fittal Street)
The Richmond Resource Recovery Centre accepts all household batteries for recycling. Special purpose built battery bins have been installed to make this quick and easy. Clear instructions are on the bins to explain what can go in them. But talk to staff on site if you have any unusual batteries or are just not sure – they are happy to help.
Do Not Put Batteries in Your Rubbish or Kerbside Bin
Batteries must not go in general rubbish or kerbside recycling.
Lithium batteries in particular can ignite if crushed, punctured, or short-circuited. This has caused fires in rubbish trucks and at waste facilities across New Zealand.
Taking batteries to a designated drop-off point reduces fire risk, prevents toxic materials entering landfill, and allows valuable metals to be recovered.
To further reduce fire risk before recycling, it’s generally recommended that you put a little tape over the terminals of lithium batteries and store them somewhere dry until drop-off.
What Types of Batteries Can Be Recycled?
Accepted household batteries generally include:
- AA and AAA batteries
- Button batteries
- Rechargeable batteries
- Lithium-ion batteries (up to small power tool battery size, and now electric bike batteries)
Batteries should be removed from devices. Whole electronic items should go through e-waste recycling instead.
What Happens to Batteries After You Drop Them Off?
Batteries collected at local free drop-off points are sent to an e-recycling facility in Christchurch.
There, valuable materials such as metals are recovered and reused in new products. By keeping batteries out of landfill, you reduce the risk of fires and give those materials a second life.
Win-win.
More Questions on Battery Disposal
Is battery recycling free in Nelson and Richmond?
Yes. Household batteries can be dropped off free of charge at council service centres and resource recovery facilities.
Where to dispose of batteries near me?
If you’re in Nelson, use the Trafalgar Street council office or Vivian Place Waste Recovery Centre.
If you’re in Richmond, use the Resource Recovery Centre or Bunnings.
Can I put batteries in kerbside recycling?
No. Batteries should never go in your kerbside recycling or rubbish bin due to fire risk.