Our Services
Batteries
Safe battery recycling starts here
At the Resource Collective, we’re committed to keeping hazardous waste out of landfills, starting with batteries.
From everyday AAs to car batteries and e-bike cells, we accept all battery types for safe storage and recycling. It’s a free service supported by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, helping local households dispose of batteries responsibly while protecting our whenua from toxic contamination.
Household batteries are collected and processed by the Council’s recycling team. In contrast, larger units like automotive, UPS, and e-bike batteries are safely stored onsite by our trained staff and sent to a licensed scrap metal dealer. We even welcome bulk drop-offs of car or UPS batteries from local businesses, though household battery recycling remains subsidised only for individual residents.
Whether you’re cleaning out your kitchen drawer or your workshop shelves, it’s never been easier to do the right thing.
Batteries we accept:
AA, AAA, C, D, & 9V household batteries
Standard household batteries used in remotes, toys, and torches. These are safely recycled by Western Bay of Plenty’s recycling team.
Button cell batteries
Found in watches, hearing aids, and calculators, these small batteries are accepted and processed with care to prevent harmful chemicals from reaching landfills.
Rechargeable batteries
Reusable batteries from cameras, tools, and household gadgets. All rechargeable types are welcome and safely stored for appropriate recycling through scrap metal partners.
Alkaline batteries
Standard disposable batteries used in clocks, radios, and smoke alarms. Alkaline types are accepted free of charge as part of council-subsidised household recycling.
Lithium batteries (household devices)
High-energy batteries found in phones, laptops, and power banks. These are accepted regardless of size and stored securely before being sent to a recycling processor.
Car batteries
Large, heavy-duty batteries from vehicles. These are stored safely on-site and sent to a scrap metal dealer. Bulk drop-offs from businesses are accepted.
Motorbike & lawn mower batteries
Smaller lead-acid batteries from power equipment and bikes. These are handled like car batteries and recycled via scrap metal dealers.
UPS batteries
Backup batteries from IT and security systems. Businesses may drop these in bulk; we ensure safe storage and transfer to a qualified recycler.
E-bike & mobility scooter batteries
High-capacity lithium batteries used in e-bikes and scooters. Accepted with care and kept in secure storage before being passed on for specialist processing.
Power tool batteries
Rechargeable batteries from drills, saws, and DIY gear. These are accepted and safely stored with our other lithium-based and NiMH rechargeable battery types.
Battery donation checklist:
- Batteries are reasonably clean & dry.
- Leaking or damaged batteries are safely contained & reported to staff on arrival.
- No need to tape terminals.
- You’ve separated automotive or industrial batteries from household types, if dropping in bulk.
Battery donation FAQ
We accept most battery types: household (AA, AAA, button cells, rechargeable), car batteries, UPS etc. We do not accept any E-bike, mobility scooter, electric vehicle batteries, or any other batteries over 3kg in weight.
No, taping terminals isn’t required. Just drop them in as they are.
Yes, we can take them, but please handle them carefully and let a staff member know when you arrive.
No, there’s no charge. The council fully subsidises battery recycling.
The Western Bay of Plenty recycling team collects and processes household batteries. Other batteries, such as car or UPS types, are safely stored and sent to a scrap metal dealer for recycling.
We accept automotive and UPS batteries from businesses and schools. However, household battery recycling is only subsidised for households and ratepayers, so we can’t take those types in bulk from organisations.
Yes, we do. Rechargeable batteries are accepted along with regular household types.
We accept a wide variety of goods, from homewares and furniture to e-waste, batteries, e-waste, and garden tools. Items are cleaned, tested, repurposed, or sold, giving them a second life while reducing what goes to landfill.
E-Waste
Computers & laptops
Mobile devices
Computer screens & TVs
Printers, fax machines, scanners
Stereos & music devices
Modems & motherboards
Computer e-waste
Electronic cables
Building/Renovation
Tiles
Bricks & pavers
Aluminium windows & doors
Gib & timber
Cement & grout
Offcuts
Kitchen cabinets & vanities
Paint
Whiteware
Fridges
Freezers
Freestanding ovens
Clothes dryers
Microwaves
Air fryers
Batteries
Household batteries
Button cell batteries
Rechargeable batteries
Alkaline batteries
Lithium batteries
Car batteries
Motorbike & lawn mower batteries
UPS batteries
Power tool batteries
Homewares
Furniture
Kitchenware
Small appliances
Home décor
Cushions & soft furnishings
Bathroom accessories
Toys & games
Storage containers
Heaters & fans
Wall clocks & decorative pieces
Tools
Power tools
Hand tools
Toolboxes & kits
Lawnmowers & small garden equipment
Drill bits, blades & accessories
Cables, cords & chargers
Nuts, bolts & fasteners
Industrial tools
Machinery
Measuring & layout tools
Outdoors
Bikes
Lawnmowers & trimmers
Outdoor furniture
Plant pots & planters
Garden tools
Outdoor umbrellas
Sporting goods
Garden ornaments & décor
Outdoor BBQs
Greenwaste
Potted plants
Seedlings & seed trays
Plants with roots
Seeds
Plastic pots & planters
Tree & shrub trimmings