Buller residents urged to dispose of car batteries safely
Buller District Council (BDC) is reminding residents to dispose of car batteries safely following a recent near-miss incident at the Westport Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).
In July, a car battery entered the processing line at the Westport MRF and ruptured, spilling battery acid onto equipment and a worker. While no injuries were sustained, the incident highlights the potentially serious risks associated with batteries entering the waste and recycling stream.
Acting Group Manager Infrastructure Services Dinesh Budhathoki says batteries can pose a significant hazard when placed in kerbside rubbish or recycling bins.
"Many batteries contain hazardous materials that can cause fires, chemical spills, equipment damage, and serious harm to workers if they are damaged during collection or processing,"
"Thankfully this incident did not result in injury, but it serves as an important reminder that batteries should never be placed in household rubbish or recycling bins."
Car batteries can be disposed of free of charge at the Westport and Reefton Transfer Stations.
BDC encourages Buller residents to use these designated battery drop-off facilities, where batteries can be disposed of safely and responsibly.
"Providing free battery disposal helps ensure these hazardous items are managed appropriately and kept out of the waste stream," Mr. Budhathoki says.
"By using the available drop-off facilities, residents are helping to protect workers, reduce environmental risks, and improve the safety of our waste and recycling operations."
Background information
Car batteries can be disposed of free of charge by dropping them off at the designated areas at the Westport and Reefton Transfer Stations.
Residents can drop off household batteries free of charge at:
- Westport Transfer Station
- Reefton Transfer Station
- Karamea Resource Recovery Centre and Disposal Facility
- Maruia Landfill
- Mitre 10 Westport
Free household battery recycling in Buller is provided through a partnership between Buller District Council, Mitre 10 and Smart Environmental. The battery recycling programme supports Buller residents to dispose of batteries safely and sustainably.
Important safety information
- Rechargeable batteries, lithium batteries, and phone batteries should have their terminals isolated before being dropped off. This can be done by covering the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals with non-conductive tape such as electrical tape, insulation tape, or masking tape.
- Covering battery terminals helps prevent overheating, sparking, and fires during storage and transport, making recycling safer for everyone involved.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.