Surf Coast expands e-waste recycling network

A significant expansion of battery and e-waste drop-off points across the Surf Coast will give residents more convenient ways to dispose of hazardous items.

From 11 May, a network of new collection sites will be introduced across the shire, making it easier to recycle everyday items such as old phones, hairdryers, electric toothbrushes and vapes, along with loose and embedded batteries.

The rollout, supported by Sustainability Victoria, is aimed at improving access to safe disposal options and reducing the number of batteries ending up in kerbside bins.

A statewide ban on e-waste going to landfill was introduced in 2019, but a study conducted on behalf of Sustainability Victoria last year suggests as many as 40 per cent of Victorian households with children are still incorrectly disposing of batteries in household bins.

When crushed in garbage trucks or recycling facilities, lithium-ion batteries can ignite, causing dangerous fires that endanger waste workers and the broader community. They can also leach toxic chemicals into the environment.

Surf Coast Shire councillor Leon Walker said the expanded network of collection sites would make it easier for residents to recycling responsibly.

“By providing more accessible recycling options, we’re helping prevent harmful materials from entering landfill and protecting our local environment for future generations,” he said.

“We know many people want to recycle the right way, but we get that convenience matters.

“These new locations will make it easier to take that extra step and recycle responsibly.”

The new drop-off points will be free to use and located at a mix of community hubs and local businesses, including Deans Marsh Community Cottage, Feed Me Surf Coast in Torquay, Lorne Foodworks, Surf Coast Wholefoods, Wurdi Baierr Stadium and the Torquay, Anglesea and Winchelsea community houses.

Existing collection points at the Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea transfer stations and the Surf Coast Shire council office in Torquay will remain in place.