Batteries and hazardous waste
Hazardous waste is waste that poses a threat or risk to public health, safety and/or the environment. This includes batteries and waste generated in laboratories and some research or teaching activities also referred to as prescribed industrial waste. Our disposal processes ensure hazardous materials can be safely collected and where possible recovered, while protecting the environment and human health. Hazardous waste requires special collection and must never be placed in landfill or mixed recycling bins. When batteries are placed in the wrong bin they could spark fires in trucks or at waste collection facilities.
Battery disposal
Batteries are a risk to human health and the environment if disposed of inappropriately. They also contain valuable metals such as cadmium, zinc, manganese, cobalt and rare earth metals that may be recovered through recycling. After collection, batteries are sorted by chemistry type and sent to the respective recyclers in Australia and overseas.
Monash departments located on campus can safely dispose small alkaline and lithium battery waste from their office using Monash battery buckets. For larger batteries or for large quantities, staff should contact their faculty store or the university hazardous waste contractor directly to arrange disposal.
With reducing waste being a high priority, we encourage the purchase and use of rechargeable batteries that can be recharged hundreds of times. The batteries and charging units are available to purchase through the university stationery supplier.
| Batteries we accept | Batteries not accepted |
|---|---|
| Small chargeable and non-rechargeable alkaline and lithium batteries, such as AAA,AA,C,D,9v. | For Ni Cd, lead acid vehicle batteries, back up power supply batteries or for large quantities, staff should contact their faculty store or the university hazardous waste contractor to arrange disposal. Faculty chemical stores have regular hazardous waste collections including batteries. Ni Cd batteries should be segregated from other battery types. Please do not bring your batteries from home for more information, please go to Recycling Near You, Batteries website. |
On campus
Send your Monash Battery Bucket via internal mail to Buildings and Property Division, 30 Research Way, Clayton Campus, clearly labelled with your return address. We will safely dispose, and return your battery bucket at no cost.
To request a battery bucket contact Buildings and Property Division.
Phone: 9902 0222
Email: buildings.property@monash.edu
Off campus or batteries from home
Selected batteries can be dropped off at your local transfer station or participating retailer for free.
Drop off locations can be found on the Recycling Near You, Batteries website.
Hazardous waste
Collections are managed by the authorised hazardous waste contractor, Cleanaway. Chemical or hazardous wastes can be disposed via Cleanaway Toxfree. While biological and cytotoxic waste is collected by Cleanaway Daniels.
The cost of disposal is the responsibility of each department. For further advice on classifying, safe handling and collection, contact your faculty store manager, safety officer, supervisor or Cleanaway directly. Phone: 1300 667 787.
Contractors engaged by the University are responsible for using their own equipment to segregate and remove all waste including hazardous waste. For further information refer to the contractors portal.
For further information
Occupational Health and Safety, Monash University
Phone: 9905 1016
Email: ohshelpline@monash.edu