Batteries can now be dropped off at Central transfer stations for recycling.

The Central Otago District Council (CODC) launched the new drop-off service on Boxing Day, which is designed to handle a variety of electronic batteries, including button cells, alkaline, dry-cell, zinc and lithium-ion varieties.

Members of the Alexandra Menz Shed have created purpose-built drop off stations for the Alexandra and Cromwell transfer stations.

The Ranfurly and Roxburgh transfer stations are also collecting batteries in buckets, which will be taken to the Alexandra transfer station.

The service will run over a trial period, free of charge, for about six months. Costs will be covered by Waste Minimisation funding from the Ministry for the Environment.

CODC infrastructure manager Quinton Penniall said the initiative was fantastic for the district.

Battery collection service stations now available in Central. PHOTO: Supplied

“We strongly encourage everyone to participate and use these facilities during this trial period to help keep batteries out of kerbside bins and the landfill.”

Batteries, particularly the lithium variety, are a main contributor to fires in kerbside collection vehicles and at landfills across New Zealand.

They can pose a significant risk to staff operating in these areas.

Batteries will be transported for recycle to E-Cycle, which is based in Auckland and Christchurch.

Vehicle batteries are already accepted free of charge at Central Otago transfer stations.