B-cycle, Australia’s new national government-backed battery recycling scheme, launches across the country today to combat one of the nation’s fastest-growing waste streams. It aims to redirect 90 per cent of used batteries that currently go to landfill, causing environmental impact and wasting precious resources.
Every year, Australians buy enough batteries to circle the planet Earth 2.3 times. New research reveals that there are currently more than 150 million loose or removable used batteries being stored in homes across the country, from tools to toys, wristwatches to remote controls, just waiting to be disposed of.
Most batteries have always been recyclable, but until now, a nationally co-ordinated infrastructure hasn’t been in place to collect and recycle single use or rechargeable batteries such as alkaline or lithium batteries – there was simply very few places to take them.
B-cycle is launching with 2351 Drop-off points and the network is set to grow by an additional 1200 points in the coming weeks. The network will include retail stores nationwide such as ALDI, Bunnings, Officeworks, Woolworths, and community organisations such as the Lions Club, and many more. Drop-off points, including at Coles, will be added over the coming months as more battery collectors and recyclers become accredited. Australians will be able to easily identify their closest Drop-off point by entering their postcode into the B-cycle website.
Founded by the not-for-profit organisation, the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC), the B-cycle Scheme is supported by the Commonwealth and all State and Territory Governments, authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and funded by the Federal government and the battery industry.
Trevor Evans, Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, said the Australian Government has invested $1 million for the Battery Stewardship Council to establish and launch B-cycle.
“All Australians can help Australia move to a circular economy in which we routinely recycle and reuse our waste resources by taking their used batteries, including household batteries, power tool batteries, camera batteries, and e-bike batteries to participating drop-off points.”
Batteries play a critical role in powering our everyday lives. With new applications for batteries constantly evolving, leading brands such as Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, Super Retail Group, Milwaukee, Stanley Black & Decker, and Makita, along with numerous other brands, are playing a pivotal role in funding the B-cycle Scheme
Libby Chaplin, Chief Executive Officer of B-cycle said our day-to-day lives are fast moving to a battery powered world – yet the materials we rely on for those batteries are in limited supply.
“The new B-cycle Scheme brings people, businesses and communities together to make sure that no used battery goes to waste, protecting people, our planet, and future battery materials. Consumers will be able to access our accredited network of battery drop-off points and be confident their batteries are being safely recycled.”
“We are deeply grateful to the Federal Government and the battery industry for making B-cycle possible. Now is the time for Australians to come together under this landmark Scheme and take a major step forward in the protection of both our homes, communities and environment.”
For more information, visit: bcycle.com.au
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