Supermarket chain Coles has joined B-cycle, adding 846 battery recycling drop-off points across Australia.

“It’s estimated that Aussies have more than 150 million loose batteries in their homes but only 12 per cent are currently being recycled,” said Brooke Donnelly, GM of sustainability at Coles.

“By adding battery collection bins out the front of our stores we’re providing a way for our customers to recycle their batteries that is safe and convenient.”

The government-backed battery recycling scheme encourages people to deposit their used, loose handheld batteries in the recycling bins.

With the addition of Coles, B-cycle now has more than 5000 drop-off points nationwide.

“With Coles now an accredited participant of the B-cycle scheme, we expect to see a boost in public awareness around battery recycling and improvements to Australia’s capacity to further develop a circular battery supply chain,” said B-cycle CEO Libby Chaplin.

“To effect lasting and sustainable change, we need all parts of the battery retail and manufacturing industries to become B-cycle accredited participants.”

B-cycle warned that incorrect battery disposal or storage may cause fire or danger to children.

The company advises Australians not to mix old batteries with household waste but instead to cover the battery with clear sticky tape and take them to any of the drop-off points found on B-cycle’s website.