Single-use alkaline batteries from across Australia can now be recycled at Nyrstar’s Port Pirie site after the site today received accreditation from the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC).

The multi-metals site will become the first B-cycle accredited recycler to recover commodity-grade quality metals from alkaline batteries, such as zinc and copper, for international markets.

Single-use alkaline batteries, commonly used to power household appliances such as remote controls, smoke alarms and radios can be recycled at Nyrstar Port Pirie into zinc and copper which is then returned to local and international commodity markets. The majority of remaining material can then be used in cement products with other commercial partners.

Nyrstar Australia is expected to recycle up to 2,000 tonnes per year (approximately 88 million AA alkaline batteries) of single-use alkaline batteries initially with an ability increase capacity to 8,000 tonnes as collection rates and the implementation of the B-cycle Scheme grows.

Further information about B-cycle and local battery recycling options are available here.

Quotes

Premier Peter Malinauskas

For more than 130 years the team here at Port Pirie has been maximising the value of Australian minerals leading to products critical to our state and the world.

Today’s announcement demonstrates Nyrstar, this productive region and our state is well positioned to play an important role in the transition to a greener economy.

Dale Webb, Vice President – Nyrstar Australia

As a multi-metals processing facility this demonstrates our ability to support Australia’s transition to a more circular economy.

We are excited by this opportunity and continue to explore ways we can work with BSC, the South Australian Government and other partners on practical outcomes that benefit our community.

BSC and B-cycle CEO Libby Chaplin

Nyrstar’s B-cycle accreditation demonstrates the significance of the Scheme and its agenda to facilitate Australia’s onshore processing of batteries, encouraging investment and innovation, which is essential for the future of the industry. Australia will continue to depend on alkaline batteries for many years to come but traditionally 90% of these have been sent to landfill, which is why Nyrstar’s move into this space is so exciting.