How to Dispose of Batteries in Auckland

Don't put batteries in your kerbside bin

Batteries are the single most dangerous thing people put in kerbside recycling. They can spark during transport or processing, causing fires at recycling facilities. Auckland Council has been very clear about this: batteries do not go in your roadside bin. Not household batteries, not rechargeables, not lithium-ion – nothing with a + and – sign.

The good news: disposing of batteries properly in Auckland is free, and there are more drop-off spots than most people realise.

Option 1: Bunnings (free, most stores)

Bunnings Warehouse stores across Auckland accept household batteries for free recycling. Look for the battery recycling bin near the front entrance or the trade desk. As of July 2026, most Auckland Bunnings locations participate – including New Lynn, Mt Roskill, Glenfield, Botany, and Westgate.

They take standard household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) and button cells. Some stores also accept rechargeable batteries and power tool batteries. If you're unsure, ask at the service desk before dropping.

Cost: Free. Hours: During store opening hours only (typically 7am–7pm on weekdays, shorter on weekends).

Option 2: Auckland Council hazardous waste drop-offs (free)

Auckland Council runs regular community recycling events and drop-off points for household hazardous waste, including batteries. These events accept all battery types: household, rechargeable, lithium-ion, lead-acid car batteries, and button cells.

Events rotate through different suburbs, so there's usually one within a reasonable drive every few months. Check the Auckland Council website for upcoming dates and locations near you.

Cost: Free for households. Hours: Event dates only – check aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for the next one.

Option 3: Manny's Recycling (free, 24/7)

We accept batteries as part of our free kerbside drop-off service at 53A Donovan Street, Blockhouse Bay. Pull up, place batteries beside the stone wall, and drive away. No forms, no fees, no sorting. We're open 24/7 – if 7pm on a Sunday is when you remember the drawer full of dead AAs, that's fine.

We take household batteries, rechargeables, power tool batteries, and phone batteries. Car batteries are fine too. Just keep different types separate if you can (a zip-lock bag or old container works), though it's not required.

Cost: Free. Hours: 24/7, every day.

Option 4: Supermarkets and retailers

Some Countdown and New World supermarkets have battery recycling bins near the entrance, though availability varies by store. The Warehouse also runs battery take-back programmes at selected locations. These tend to be for household batteries only (no car or large rechargeable batteries).

Car batteries

Car batteries (lead-acid) are valuable scrap. Most scrap metal dealers will take them for free – some may even pay a small amount. Repco and Supercheap Auto also accept old car batteries when you buy a replacement. If you're dropping one at Manny's, just place it beside the stone wall rather than on top of other items (they're heavy and can leak).

What about lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries (phones, laptops, power tools, e-scooters) need special handling because they can catch fire if damaged. Tape over the terminals with electrical tape before dropping them off – this prevents short circuits during transport. All the options above accept lithium-ion batteries except some supermarket bins, which tend to be household-only.

Quick summary

Option	Cost	Hours	Battery Types
Bunnings	Free	Store hours	Household, some rechargeable
Council events	Free	Event dates	All types
Manny's Recycling	Free	24/7	All types
Supermarkets	Free	Store hours	Household only