Cook Shire residents are being encouraged to search their homes for old batteries as Council launches the Battery Round-Up Challenge, a fun community initiative rewarding people for recycling batteries safely instead of throwing them in the bin.
Running from 7 August to 31 October 2026, the Challenge invites individuals, households, schools, sporting clubs and community groups to round up old household batteries and battery-powered items, recycle them at participating Cook Shire Waste Transfer Stations and go into the draw to win a share of more than $1,700 in prizes*.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said the Challenge was about more than just winning prizes.
“Most of us have old batteries tucked away somewhere without even realising it,” Mayor Holmes said.
“They’re hiding in junk drawers, toy boxes, torches, remote controls, power tools, caravans and camping gear. Many rechargeable items, like electric toothbrushes, wireless headphones and Bluetooth speakers, also contain batteries that people often don’t think about.”
Improperly discarded batteries can be crushed or damaged during collection and processing, creating a fire risk for waste collection vehicles and recycling facilities. Recycling them safely helps recover valuable materials while protecting workers, infrastructure and the environment.
The Battery Round-Up Challenge gives residents an extra incentive to do the right thing.
Three lucky winners will share in more than $1,700 worth of prizes.
- First Prize includes a $750 Visa Debit Card and a $250 Waste Transfer Station Voucher.
- Second Prize includes a $250 Visa Debit Card and a $250 Waste Transfer Station Voucher.
- Third Prize is a $250 Waste Transfer Station Voucher.
Mayor Holmes said the Competition had been designed to encourage the whole community to get involved.
“You can enter on your own or make it a team effort by collecting batteries with your household, school, sporting club or community group.”
“Every eligible battery recycled earns Competition entries, so the more batteries you round up, the more chances you have to win.”
To enter, residents simply need to collect eligible household batteries and devices with embedded batteries, take them to a participating Cook Shire Waste Transfer Station during normal operating hours and present them to staff before placing them into the battery collection unit. Staff will inspect, weigh and record eligible batteries before allocating Competition entries.
Mayor Holmes encouraged residents to start looking around their homes today.
“You might be surprised how many batteries are already hiding around your home.”
“Whether you find five batteries or five hundred, every battery recycled helps protect our community, and every eligible battery could bring you one step closer to winning.”
The Battery Round-Up Challenge closes at 4 pm on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
For more competition details, participating Waste Transfer Stations, and battery safety information, visit: www.cook.qld.gov.au/roundemup
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“Most of us have old batteries tucked away somewhere without even realising it.”
“They’re hiding in junk drawers, toy boxes, torches, remote controls, power tools, caravans and camping gear. Many rechargeable items, like electric toothbrushes, wireless headphones and Bluetooth speakers, also contain batteries that people often don’t think about.”
Main image (and above): Cook Shire Council’s Waste Management Coordinator, Kristina Davidson, encouring local students to round-up their old batteries for recycling as part of Council’s new Battery Round-up Challenge.
