Aotearoa New Zealand
Safer lithium batteries, for everyone.
We help the public understand how to use, store, dispose of and recycle lithium batteries safely, and we plan to run free battery disposal events from 2027 to keep them out of rubbish and recycling bins.
What we do
Our purposes are education, safe disposal, community safety and protecting the environment.
Public education
Clear, practical information on using, charging, storing and recycling lithium batteries, from phones and e-bikes to power tools.
Free disposal events
Our goal, from 2027: community collection events where people can drop off unwanted lithium batteries at no cost, handled safely and sent for proper processing.
Safer communities
Damaged and badly discarded lithium batteries can cause fires. Better habits reduce risk for households, workers and rubbish and recycling crews.
Lithium battery safety basics
General guidance. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your device.
- Never put batteries in the rubbish or kerbside recycling. Crushing and compaction can set them alight.
- Use the right charger. Charge with the charger made for the device, and not on a bed, couch or near anything flammable.
- Don't charge while you sleep or are out where you can, and unplug once the battery is full.
- Store them cool and dry, out of direct sun and away from heat sources.
- Stop using damaged batteries. Swelling, dents, leaks, heat, a strange smell or hissing are warning signs.
- Protect the terminals before disposal. Cover exposed terminals with tape and keep each battery separate.
Free battery disposal events
Free disposal events are our goal, and we plan to start them from 2027. Anyone will be able to drop off old lithium batteries at no cost, and each event will be open to the public with a written safety plan.
Dates, locations and the batteries we can accept will be posted here once confirmed.
About the Trust
The Lithium Battery Safety Awareness Charitable Trust is a New Zealand trust set up in 2026 for public benefit.
The Trust was established by Project Lithium Limited, an Auckland battery business that provides the Trust's initial funding. The Trust is governed by its own trustees and run independently. It does not promote any business, and its events and information are for everyone.