Round ’em up. Bring ’em in. Win!
Old Batteries don’t belong in the bin
When batteries are crushed or damaged during collection and processing, they can spark and start fires, putting waste workers, recycling facilities and the community at risk.
That’s why Cook Shire Council is encouraging residents to recycle their old household batteries safely through the Battery Round-Up Challenge.
From 7 August until 31 October 2026, every eligible battery you hand in for recycling could bring you one step closer to winning a share of more than $1,700 in prizes.
Help us round up these notorious batteries in disguise
Batteries aren’t just AA and AAA anymore.
The reality is, if it charges, it’s probably hiding a battery. Make sure you check these hidden battery hot-spots:
- Toy box
- Toolbox
- Bathroom
- Lounge room
- Car
- Camping gear
- Kids’ bedrooms
Before you throw it away, stop and think:
Could this be a battery in disguse?
How it works
1. Round ’em up
2. Choose who you’re collecting for
Enter on your own or make it a team effort.
You can collect batteries for yourself or choose to have your entries allocated to your household, school, sporting club or community group.
Simply nominate who you’d like your Competition entries allocated to when you complete your Entry Form at the Waste Transfer Station.
3. Bring them in
Take your batteries to the manned Cook Shire Waste Transfer Stations located at Ayton, Cooktown, Laura and Lakealand during normal opening hours.
Present them to Waste Transfer Station staff before placing them into the battery collection unit.
4. Earn entries for your chance to WIN!
You can make as many battery drop-offs as you like throughout the Competition.
Prizes
Three lucky winners will share in more than $1,700 worth of prizes, including Visa Debit Cards and Waste Transfer Station vouchers.
🥇 First Prize
$750 Visa Debit Card, and
$250 Waste Transfer Station Voucher
🥈 Second Prize
$250 Visa Debit Card, and
$250 Waste Transfer Station Voucher
🥉 Third Prize
$250 Waste Transfer Station Voucher
GO IT ALONE, OR ROUND UP A TEAM!
Everything is better together.
get your sporting club or community group involved.
When you drop off your batteries,
nominate which team your entries count towards
and increase your team’s chances to WIN!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter the Battery Round-Up Challenge?
The Competition is open to residents, households, schools, sporting clubs and community groups located within the Cook Shire local government area.
You can enter on your own or collect batteries with others and nominate a single household, school, sporting club or community group to receive the Competition entries.
Can I enter more than once?
Yes.
There’s no limit to the number of times you can enter during the Competition Period. Every eligible battery drop-off earns Competition entries, so the more batteries you recycle, the better your chances of winning.
How do Competition entries work?
Competition entries are allocated based on the verified quantity and type of eligible batteries you recycle.
Simply present your batteries to Waste Transfer Station staff before placing them in the collection bin. Staff will inspect, weigh and record your batteries before calculating your Competition entries.
The more eligible batteries you recycle, the more entries you’ll receive.
Can friends, schools or community groups collect batteries together?
Absolutely!
Friends, families, schools, sporting clubs and community groups are encouraged to work together.
Simply nominate the same household, school, sporting club or community group on each Entry Form and all eligible entries will be combined, giving that nominated entrant more chances to win.
What batteries can I recycle?
Most common household batteries are accepted, including:
- AA, AAA, C, D and 9V batteries
- Button and coin batteries
- Rechargeable batteries
- Lithium-ion household batteries
- Power tool batteries
- Batteries removed from household electronic devices
Many rechargeable products also contain embedded batteries, including electric toothbrushes, headphones, toys, computer mice, fitness trackers, Bluetooth speakers and disposable vapes.
If it charges, it probably contains a battery.
What batteries aren't accepted?
The Competition does not accept:
- Automotive batteries
- Solar batteries
- Industrial or commercial batteries
- Damaged, leaking, swollen or smoking batteries
- Any battery type not accepted through Council’s battery recycling program
If you’re unsure, ask Waste Transfer Station staff before bringing your batteries in.
Why shouldn't batteries go in my household rubbish or recycling bin?
Batteries can be crushed or damaged during collection and processing, creating sparks that can start fires in rubbish trucks, recycling facilities and landfill sites.
Recycling batteries safely helps protect waste workers, Council facilities, the environment and our community.
How should I prepare my batteries before dropping them off?
In the interest of your own safety, it’s advised that you should:
- Tape the terminals of lithium, rechargeable, button, coin and 9V batteries.
- Transport batteries in a non-metal container where practical.
- Do not bring damaged, leaking or swollen batteries to a Waste Transfer Station.
Where can I recycle my batteries?
Household batteries can be recycled free of charge during normal operating hours at the Cook Shire Waste Transfer Stations located in Ayton, Cooktown, Lakeland and Laura.
👉 View participating Waste Transfer Stations and opening hours
Who funded the new battery recycling bins?
The battery collection bins have been installed as part of a Queensland Government initiative to make battery recycling easier and safer across Far North Queensland.
This initiative is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through the Far North Queensland Regional Battery Collection Program.
You can learn more about battery recycling, accepted battery types and how to recycle safely on Council’s Recycling page.
👉 Learn more about battery recycling in Cook Shire: https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/waste-management/recycling/
What if my batteries are still inside a device or toy?
Many household items, including toys, torches, remote controls, power tools and small electronic devices, contain batteries.
If the battery can be safely removed, take the battery out and recycle it separately. If you’re unsure how to remove it or the battery is built into the product, speak to Waste Transfer Station staff or use Recycle Mate to find the best recycling option.
Where can I find the full Competition Terms and Conditions?
The full Terms and Conditions, including eligibility, entry requirements, prize information and Competition rules, are available here.
👉 Download the Battery Round-Up Challenge Terms and Conditions.
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Cook Shire Council acknowledged the Traditional Owners of Country throughout the Shire and recognises their continuing connection to lands, water and community. We pay our respects to the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our vast Shire and to Elders and leaders past, present and emerging.
We also wish to advise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples that this website may contain images or names of deceased persons.