Many everyday household devices contain lithium-ion batteries. When disposed of incorrectly, these batteries can cause fires, injuries and environmental harm.
Embedded batteries must never be placed in household waste or recycling bins.
While some batteries can be easily removed and recycled through existing programs, many are built into devices and can’t be safely removed by hand. These items require special handling.
To help residents safely dispose of these devices, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, in partnership with the North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC), is running an extended collection program to help you safely dispose of these problematic and dangerous household items. There is no charge for disposal of accepted devices.
Collection period: Available until 15 November 2026
Drop-off locations
Accepted devices can be dropped off free of charge at the locations listed below:
- Hinchinbrook Shire Hall
25 Lannercost Street, Ingham - Halifax Resource Recovery Centre
Rifle Range Road, Halifax - Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre
45 Bosworths Road, Blackrock
Please note that large items are only accepted in the designated cages at the Halifax and Warrens Hill recovery centres, while small items can be dropped off at the Lannercost Street office only.
Accepted items
Common household items that may contain embedded batteries include:
- Bluetooth speakers and headphones
- Vapes
- Electric toothbrushes and shavers
- E-scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards
- Cordless and robotic vacuum cleaners
- Personal care devices
- Flashing, light-up or sound toys
- Powerbanks and portable charging devices
- Remote-controlled and ride-on toys
- Wearable devices such as smart watches, trackers and medical aids
Do not attempt to remove batteries. Please bring the entire device.
Items not accepted
Some items are covered by other recycling programs and are not accepted through this collection, including:
- Televisions, computers, printers and accessories (National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme)
- Mobile phones and accessories (Mobile Muster)
- Loose household batteries up to 5 kg (B-cycle)
- Oversized or bulky items over 20 kg
- Electric Vehicle batteries
- Household battery energy storage systems
- Mobility scooters
Not sure about an item?
If you’re unsure whether your item is accepted or where it should go, use Recycle Mate to check recycling options. All batteries collected through this program are processed by an approved industry partner.
About the program
This project is delivered by the NQROC Resource Recovery Working Group.
NQROC is a partnership of five councils — Burdekin, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island and Townsville — working together to support sustainable waste management across North Queensland.
The Household Embedded Battery Collection is proudly funded through the Queensland Government’s Local Government Battery Collection Program.
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