Batteries

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Read our articles about battery technology, safety, and recycling.

Contents

About batteries

For our battery recycling service see the Battery recycling page.

Batteries are a common item in the high tech world in which we live. Batteries themselves can be the older, low tech dry cells or alkaline cells to the more modern lithium based ones which include protection circuits and a computer chip that monitors the usage.

Note that the terms “battery” and “cell” are often used interchangeably but technically a battery consists of a number of cells.

All batteries are able to be recycled.  The recovered material may be as high as 97% of the original weight and the value of the recovered material varies from less than $100 per tonne to over $20,000 per tonne.

There are a number of environmental and human health and safety issues with batteries. They contain material that is ecotoxic, they can be swallowed by children (mainly the button cells), and they can cause fires or burns.

Batteries are sometimes subject to recalls because of possible safety issues, especially the lithium based batteries.

UN codes for common batteries

UN 27948Batteries, wet, filled with acid, electric storageLead-acid
UN 27958Batteries, wet, filled with alkali, electric storageNiCd
UN 28008Batteries, wet, non-spillable, electric storageLead-acid
UN 30288Batteries, dry, containing potassium hydroxide solid, electric, storageAlkaline
UN 30909Lithium metal batteriesLithium metal
UN 30919Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment or Lithium metal batteries packed with equipmentLithium metal
UN 34809Lithium ion batteries (including lithium ion polymer batteries)Li-ion
UN 34819Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment or Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment (including lithium ion polymer batteries)Li-ion
UN 34969Batteries, nickel-metal hydrideNiMH
  • Class 8 are Corrosive substances
  • Class 9 are Miscellaneous

Further information

AA battery comparison at Consumer NZ.

Batteries at Wikipedia

Battery University, an education resource

Battery Industry Group

How battery recycling could provide a cleaner source of critical minerals, NZ Herald

Millions of Batteries Every Day! How Are They Turned into Treasures?, YouTube

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Battery recycling

To find out how to recycle your batteries see our battery recycling page.

All batteries are able to be recycled and there are sound environmental, health and safety, human rights, and economic reasons to so.

Some batteries contain heavy metals which makes recycling an important method of preventing harmful substances from entering the environment.  Also, most of the materials in batteries is recoverable and therefore recycling them reduces the need to mine fresh ore.  Recycling is generally more energy efficient than the production of new material so there will be a small reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The three main heavy metal in batters are mercury, cadmium and lead.  In recent decades mercury has been phased out as a constituent of some batteries.  Cadmium is used with nickel as the NiCd batteries.  It is now less common with the advent of the better performing lithium batteries but can still be found in new products, especially emergency lighting units.   Lead is used in lead acid batteries for vehicles and in gel cells (also known as VRLA, SLA, or AGM batteries).

Some of the minerals used in batteries are mined by workers, including children, with disregard to human rights.  Recycling batteries means that there will be less reliance on minerals mined under such conditions.

Note that the terms battery and cell are often used interchangeably although technically a battery consists of two or more cells.

New Zealand and overseas

At present there is no mandatory requirement for consumers to recycle batteries in New Zealand.   Some councils, notably Auckland Council and the Christchurch City Council, suggest disposal to landfill. Car batteries are commonly recycled since a small fee is often paid out, but very little recycling happens for other types of batteries.

Battery recycling policies and systems are well established in some other countries.  The European Union has a Battery Directive which the member states must abide by to avoid legal action by the European Commission. North America has the Call2Recycle public service programme for battery recycling (as well as mobile phones).  The Australian Battery Recycling Initiative was set up in 2008 and are involved in establishing a national stewardship program for handheld batteries.

In July 2020 batteries became a priority product under the Waste Minimisation Act.  This means that they will have a requirement to be recycled.

Batteries are generally very safe but there are some precautions that should be taken when storing for recycling.  Batteries, especially coin or button cells, should be kept out of reach of children since can be swallowed, leading to possibly serious health issues.

Lithium based batteries have strict controls on how they can be shipped for safety reasons since they can cause fires.  They should not be disposed of along with  general waste since they can become physically damaged and cause fires in skips. waste collection vehicles, and at waste collection depots.

Further information

Battery recycling at Wikipedia

IATA (2015) Lithium Battery Guidance (international shipping regulations from the International Air Transport Association)

Pistoia, G., J.-P. Wiaux, and S. P. Wolsky, eds. (2001) Used Battery Collection and Recycling. 1st ed. Industrial Chemistry Library, v. 10. New York: Elsevier Science.

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Battery safety

There are three main areas of concern when dealing with batteries:

  • Environmental protection
  • Risk of fire
  • Risk to children

There is also a risk of acid burns from lead acid batteries if they are incorrectly handled.

Environmental protection
Some batteries contain lead, mercury, and cadmium. These are heavy metals that are ecotoxic and if released into the environment can pass through ecosystems and food chains.  The effect of mercury on the natural environment is well known.

Risk of fire
With the advent of lithium batteries, which are able to source high currents, fires have been reported due to overheating during charging, and also as a result of physical damage.  In the domestic market it has affected mobile phones, laptops, and hover boards.  This has also affected commercial products such as bus passenger ticket readers and camera equipment.

There have been a number of recalls of batteries both in New Zealand and overseas.

Risk to children
The main risk to humans is the risk of children swallowing the smaller button cells.  This risk can be eliminated by keeping new and used cells out of reach of children at all times.


Further information

One Major Way Smartphone Batteries Can Catch Fire—and How to Prevent It – iFixit

The Battery Controlled –  information on children and button cell safety

Safety Alert – Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Battery Fires – New Zealand Fire Service


Articles

Firefighters battle Tauranga electric truck fire, NZ Herald

High number of facility fires in 2022 prompts renewed look at battery recycling efforts, Wastedive

Qld baby in coma after swallowing battery that burnt hole in throat, 1News

Batteries put in household recycling or rubbish key cause of truck fires, Our Auckland

Kiwis told to take extra care after increase in house fires caused by charging batteries, Stuff

Oamaru waste pile fire possibly started by battery, Stuff

Industry report: a partnership to beat battery fires?, Recycling International

Flyers warned not to put loose batteries in checked-in bags from January 1, Stuff

Christchurch’s burning issue: Battery-sparked fires in waste, Newsline

Australian house fire sparks call for stricter rules for lithium-ion batteries, Stuff

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Battery recalls

Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries are occasionally subject to recalls due to possible fire risk. This is a list of some of the battery recalls known to affect the New Zealand market.

June 2018Euromatic Eco wall panel heater models EPH-001 EPH-001D EPH-002Ceramic casing may crack.Return it to Bunnings.MBIE
July 2017Extech Digital Clamp MetersThe meters can fail to give an accurate voltage reading, resulting in the operator falsely believing the electrical power is low or off, posing an electrocution hazard.Stop using the affected digital clamp meters and contact Extech for a free replacement meter.MBIE
July 2017Freedom Furniture – Zox table lampIf the wooden shade becomes overheated, this could cause a fire hazard.Stop using the lamp and return to the nearest Freedom store for a full refund or exchange for a similar product.MBIE
July 2017Celsius & Number8 – 2000W horizontal fan heatersRisk of fire and electric shockStop using your heater immediately. Contact Celsius for further information on how to receive a refund or replacement heaterMBIE
July 2017Wismec Exo Skeleton for ES300 personal vaporizersRisk of fireStop using the Wismec Exo Skeleton for the ES300 and remove the atomisers and all batteries. Return the device to the store you purchased it from for a full refund or replacementMBIE
June 2017Sunbeam Sous Chef Multi CookerWhen used in “slow cooker mode” the multi-cooker may not reach and maintain a temperature during the cook time to fully cook the meat.”Recall completed.MBIE
June 2017Happy Mobile – Counterfeit Samsung BatteryRisk of overheat and fireStop using the affected batteries and return to Happy Mobile for refundMBIE
June 2017Off-Board Chargers for Segway Personal TransportersA wire inside the charger can detach and touch the side of the charger causing a possible shock hazard.Recall completed.MBIE
June 2017Adapter sold with GarageAce Wi-Fi door openerIncorrect/Non-compliant 230v plug adaptor for USB fitting supplied with unit.Recall completed.MBIE
June 2017Beko DCU8330GX dryerThe capacitor may fail and overheat, potentially leading to risk of fire.Beko are contacting customers directly.MBIE
June 2017The Warehouse – Living & Co Voss Desk LampThe lampshade can melt if an incorrect bulb (>40W) is used.Return to your nearest Warehouse branch.MBIE
May 2017SIMX Smart Sense Mini 360⁰ Flush Mount PIR SensorRisk of electric shockReplace with PIR sensor LHT0142 or LHT0179.MBIE
May 2017Panasonic Tablet FZ-G1 (Mk1 to Mk3) and battery packMay overheat.Refer to the manufacturers instructions here.This is not an actual recall.
May 2017Moretti, Click, and Akai oil column heatersRisk of burns from hot oil.Return to Bunnings.MBIE
Mar 2017Swann wireless door chimeRisk of shockIf within the range of serial numbers remove it from mains power and return it to obtain a replacement unit.MBIE
Feb 2017HP and Compaq notebook batteries. This is an expansion of a previous recall.Risk of overheating.Check to see if you are affected and if so discontinue using the battery.HP battery recall programme
Feb 2017Aero Quik Kettle – BlackRisk of fireReturn the kettle to Harvey Norman for a refund or replacement.MBIE
Feb 2017Cuisinart DLC-2011BCNA, DLC-2011NA, DLC-2014BCNA, DLC-2014NA, DFP-14BCNA, MP-14NA food processors. Only models with blade rivets are affected.Blade may breakContact Cuisinart for a free replacement blade.MBIE
Jan 2017Some Zebra power supplies that were manufactured by FSP Group between October 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011Risk of fireFollow instructions issued by Zebra
Dec 2016OMP Power Bank 5000mAhMay overheat and explode or catch fire.Return to FarmersMBIE
Dec 2016The Warehouse – Living and Co. Stainless Steel and Red Kettles 1.7L with the PO Number 18920118Risk of shockStop using it immediately or do not unpack it. Return it to The Warehouse for a full refund.MBIE
Nov 2016Toshiba laptop batteriesRisk of burns or fireVisit the Toshiba website to determine if your battery is affected. This is an extension of an earlier recall.MBIE
Nov 2016Instant Hot Water Kettle ISKTLRisk of fireMBIE
Nov 2016Kambrook Microwave 30L (KMO400)Risk of fireCheck to see if it is within the date code range 833-1321. If so stop using it and arrange for a replacement or refund.MBIE
Nov 2016CarbaTec RT-660 router tablePhase and neutral may be transposed making it non-compliant.Send plug and switch unit to the CarbaTecMBIE
Nov 2016Radio Systems Detachable AC Plug Adaptor Insert sold with PetSafe® and SportDOG® Brand ProductsRisk of shock if brokenMBIE
Oct 2016EziBuy Poppy Desk LampRisk of fireMBIE
Oct 2016Countdown — Halloween LED Spinning WandBatteries may fall out presenting a danger to childrenReturn your wand to any Countdown supermarket for a full refund.MBIE
Oct 2016Swiss Mobility Universal Travel AdapterNon-compliant and risk of shockReturn to JB HiFiMBIE
Oct 2016ECCO Rechargeable LED Work/Utility Lamps (model numbers EW2461 and EW2461-AU)The product may overheat and present a risk of fireMBIE
Oct 2016Bosch freestanding gas/electric cooker models HGV74W255A and HGV74W355A. Batch number 8901 and 9110Gas leakagegascookingsafety.com or MBIE
Sept 2016Samsung top loading washing machineExcessive vibration leading to damageSamsung
Sept 2016Makita 5057KB 185mm Dustless Circular SawBlade may become stuckReturn to supplier to have it rectifiedMBIE
Sept 2016Powerbank 2600mA (no brand name)Battery packWhen dropped the battery may fall out. There are no markings on the battery so it is possible that it can be re-installed incorrectly.MBIE
Sep 2016Samsung Galaxy Note7 phoneBattery issues including possible explosionSamsung
Aug 2016Medela breast pumpRisk of shockMedsafe at the Ministry of Health
Aug 2016Green Smoke JD-050-050 power adaptorRisk of shockVisit the Green Smoke adaptor recall websiteMBIE
July 2016Denon HEOS 1 Go Pack Rechargeable BatterySpeakersPhone B&W Loudspeakers Ltd on 0800-255-800MBIE
July 2016Ashton GPA10 Guitar amplifierRisk of shockReturn for repairMBIE
July 2016Hoverboards – various modelsRisk of fireContact your supplierNo formal recall notice is in place at present in New Zealand. See the US CSPC for more information or contact your supplier.
June 2016HP batteries for various notebooksBurn and fire hazardContact HPMBIE
June 2016Arlec WLED15 rechargeable handheld worklightsRisk of fireReturn it to BunningsMBIE
June 2016Goldair GBH400 bathroom heaters (batch G328 only)Risk of fireStop using it and contact GoldairMBIE
April 2016Homemaker 20cm chrome round green fan (FZ-20M01)Risk of shockContact Kmart Customer Service on 0800 945 995
March 2016Ariston and Indesit tumble dryersRisk of fireCall 0800 274 748 or visit indesithotpointsafety.com
2016Apple AC Wall Plug AdapterRisk of shockContact Apple
4 November 2015Nutriblend and NutriInfusion blendersRisk of fireFire Service
4 November 2015Homemaker Nutritional Drink BlenderRisk of fireFire Service
3 November 2015Ultrasonic Pest RepellerRisk of fireFire Service
November 2015Haier top loading washing machines HWMP55-918 and HWMP65-918Risk of fireSee the Haier recall noticeConsumer Affairs
October 2015Breville Fast Slow Cookers model BPR200Risk of scaldingContact BrevilleConsumer Affairs
September 2015CordTech SCC0510-4 5Mtr Cable Reel, HSC1510-4 15Mtr Cable Reel, HBC2010-4 20Mtr Cable ReelRisk of electric shockReturn to the retailerConsumer Affairs
August 2015Artistic Living Ultrasonic Pest RepellerRisk of electric shock and fireConsumer Affairs
August 2015PowerGuard Tablet ProtectorRisk of electric shockConsumer Affairs
11 July 2015Ozito Electric Blower model OZBL1800WARisk of electric shock and injury from sharp objectsOzito NZ
2 July 2015Insinkerator models 55+ and 65+Potential fire hazardSee www.insinkeratorsafetynotice.comFire Service
30 June 2015Kmart Homemaker Gerry upright floor lampRisk of electric shock or fireContact Kmart Customer Service on 0800 945 995Consumer NZ
25 June 2015Ultimate 2-in-1 pest repellerRisk of electric shockContact Newfield Group on 0800 600 789 or sales@newfield.co.nzConsumer NZ
8 June 2015Apple Beats Pill XL portable wireless speakersUnit may overheatContact Apple to have it recalledFire Service
2 June 2015Apple iPhone and iPad chargers (refurbished)Potential fire riskReturn to ED GamesConsumer AffairsSamsung
June 2015Kenwood X PRO Blender BLM80Mechanical failureConsumer Affairs
14 May 2015ThinkPad Lithium-ion batteriesMay overheat and cause burns or fireVisit Lenovo to determine if you are affected and to arrange for a free replacement battery.Consumer NZ
14 Apr 2015Shark Ultra-light vacuum cleanerMay cause burns or electric shockVisit Shark for guidance on identifying the affected models and for instructions on how to return for repair. The Shark customer service team is also available on 0800 109 009Consumer NZ
2 April 2015Heller 2000W fan heatersCall 09 978 2200 or go to BunningsConsumer NZ
16 March 2015Shark Navigator vacuum cleanersRisk of burns or electric shockVisit Shark for guidance on identifying the affected models and for instructions on how to return for repair. A dedicated Shark customer service team is available for any consumer queries on 0800 109 009.Consumer NZ
13 March 2015Kathmandu rechargable torchRisk of overheatingStop using the torch and return to your nearest Kathmandu store or call 0800 001 234 for a refund.Consumer NZ
2015Samsung washing machine models SW75V9WIP, SW65V9WIP, SW80SPWIP, SW70SPWIPPotential fire riskContact Samsung New ZealandSamsung and MBIE
18 December 2014Lenovo AC power cord model LS-15May overheatFire Service
2 December 2014Toshiba laptop/notebook AC power cords model LS-15May overheatFire Service
2 December 2014Panasonic battery CF-H2May overheatContact Panasonic NZ on 0800 726 222Fire Service
2 December 2014MSPA Alpine inflatable Bubble spaRisk of electric shockContact The Warehouse or on 0800 422 274Fire Service
2 December 2014Performer UCA 406C, UCA 407C and UCA 410C powerboardsRisk of fireContact Kmart Customer Service on 0800 945 995 or visit www.kmart.co.nzFire Service
20 November 2014Universal adapter code MAUCRisk of electric shock or fireContact Pacific Optics LimitedConsumer NZ
7 November 2014Chevron 4 and 6 outlet power boardsRisk of fireReturn them to your nearest Countdown, SuperValue or FreshChoice supermarket to receive a full refund.Consumer NZ
2 September 2014Hewlett-Packard and Compaq notebook computer AC power cordsRisk of fireGo to the HP Notebook PC AC Power Cord Replacement Programme website at: www.hp.com/support/PowerCordReplacementFire Service
2 September 2014Best Buy four outlet powerboardRisk of fireReturn it to your nearest Supercheap Auto store for a full refund.Fire Service
2 September 2014Nouveau 16L electronic dehumidifierRisk of fire due to overheating capacitorFire Service
2 September 2014Moda electric hot packRisk of electric shock or fireReturn it to The Warehouse store for a full refund, with or without a receipt.Fire Service
26 August 2014Redken branded PowerBank phone chargersRisk of overheatingReturn the charger to your nearest Rodney Wayne salon or Rodney Wayne Shampoo n’ Things store to receive a complimentary replacement gift.Consumer NZ
29 July 2014Goldair model 3108 and 3109 bathroom fan heatersRisk of fireConsumers should immediately stop using the heater. Turn the heater off and contact Goldair on 0800 232 633 or a registered electrician.Fire Service
17 June 2014Medela B-Well steam sterilisersRisk of burns, fire or electric shockContact medela.com or phone 0800 503 553Consumer NZ
16 June 2014Weiss heat transfer systemRisk of fireTurn the system off and contact Weiss New Zealand on 0800 208 008 or a registered electricianFire Service
May 2014Sony VAIO Fit 11A model numbers SVF11N18CGP and SVF11N18CGSRisk of burns from the battery packContact Sony New Zealand on 0800 766 969Consumer NZ
May 2014ThinkPad batteriesRisk of fireContact Lenovo or call 0508 201 650ACCC
April 2014Kawashima Pro2000i inverter generatorRisk of shockCall Euroquip NZ on 0800 387 678Consumer NZ
March 2014Dyson AM04 and AM05 heaters

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Button cells

Button cells, also known as coin cells, are found in all sorts of equipment from watches to vacuum cleaners to computers and torches.  They have a wide range of sizes, voltages, and chemical composition.  They are based on either lithium, zinc, or silver chemistry.

From a human health perspective button cells are safe except with respect to children.  There are a number of cases of children ingesting batteries and consequently becoming ill. This would generally be for the higher energy lithium batteries when that are in a charged state.  Discharged zinc air batteries would pose a lower health threat.

Recycling
Button cells are able to be recycled to recover the materials.  To minimise environmental impact of the overall process it is best to stockpile them for as long as possible before having them recycled.  Button cells are relatively environmentally benign if disposed of into a sanitary landfills but recycling them has a  small environmental benefit.

Further information

Button cells at Wikipedia

The dangers with button batteries at Consumer NZ

The Battery Controlled –  information on children and button cell safety (dead link)

Button batteries page at MBIE Product Safety

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Lithium batteries

We have a battery recycling service.

Lithium batteries have become established as a common form of energy storage for portable devices. They are used in a wide range of domestic, commercial, and industrial products, including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, cordless power tools, defibrillators, etc.  They come various shapes, sizes, voltages, and charge capacities.  Some of the button cells found in watches, and  the battery packs in electric vehicles both use lithium based chemistry.

Lithium batteries can cause fires due to mishandling, misuse, or poor quality manufacturing. Increasingly, fires are starting at waste transfer stations and recycling facilities from damaged lithium batteries setting the surround waste alight.  If the batteries or the product containing the battery proves to cause fires they are subject to recalls.  Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported that there were 35 fires in the first eight months of 2022.

Because of their inherent danger they have stringent shipping controls placed on them, especially for for air transport.

Lithium batteries have differing chemical processes and are sold under names such as Li-ion, LiPo, lithium metal etc.  The most common type used in consumer electronics is the Li-ion type and can be found in mobile phones, cameras, laptop computers, and may other portable electronic devices.  LiPo batteries are common in remote controlled models. Lithium metal batteries have a number of specialist applications.

Lithium batteries are able to be recycled to recover the materials from which they are made.  As well as lithium the Li-ion batteries contain cobalt, a valuable material that has various humanitarian issues associated with the mining of it, notably in Africa.

Further information

Xiangdong Kong, et-al, Foreign matter defect battery and sudden spontaneous combustion, eTransportation, Volume 12, 2022, 100170,  ISSN 2590-1168

Lithium batteries at Wikipedia

After market battery warning from Makita

Amnesty International, This is what we die for, 2016, AFR 62/3183/2016


Articles

Fires linked to lithium batteries have doubled. Why the delay in dealing with them?, RNZ

German consortium targets ‘holistic’ battery metals solution, Recycling International

Unplugged lithium-ion battery spontaneously combusts, destroying Auckland home, Stuff

A top lithium expert agrees with Elon Musk that there’s not enough of the crucial metal to meet booming demand, Fortune

New Zealand company working to combat environmental impact of Lithium mining for EV batteries, Stuff

‘Holy grail’ battery breakthrough sees scientists solve 40-year problem, Independent

Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Finally Takes Off in North America and Europe, IEEE Spectrum

Gas canisters and batteries cause fires at transfer stations, RNZ

The spiralling environmental cost of our lithium battery addiction, Wired

Contaminated recycling a fire risk, Newsline

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Electric vehicle batteries

Fully electric vehicles are gaining popularity in some countries and there is a corresponding increase in usage here in New Zealand.

Electric vehicle batteries (EV batteries) should be recycled at the end of their useful life on both environmental and humanitarian grounds.

Further information

Articles

Toyota plans ‘circular ecosystem’ for recycling EV batteries | Stuff

Contaminated recycliCar 101: What happens to EV batteries after they die? | Stuff

Why The EV Industry Has A Massive Supply Problem | CNBC

GM heralded this plant as a model for its electric car future. Then its batteries started exploding. |Stuff

Mining the deep sea: will the world’s oceans help power your electric car? | Recycling International

Ford invests in electric vehicle battery recycling company | Stuff

While they were asleep, their EVs burned in the garage | Stuff

Electric cars: What will happen to all the dead batteries? | BBC

The Problem with Switching to EVs | Newsroom

New solution for lithium recovery from electric cars | Recycling International

World must act to prevent a mountain of EV batteries | RNZ

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