Recycling program for batteries, fluorescent and mixed globes update
Deakin University ran a six month pilot recycling program for batteries, fluorescent tubes and mixed light globes at the beginning of 2012. The program contributes to the University’s target to reduce waste to landfill by 25% by 2012 (from 2009 baseline data).
Over a three month period the pilot program diverted over 3000 florescent tubes and mixed globes and over 2500 batteries from landfill. As a result the successful trial will now be a permanent service from 2013.
M = Melbourne Burwood Campus
G = Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
W = Warrnambool Campus
Why recycle batteries, fluorescent and mixed globes?
Most batteries and globes contain toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, zinc and nickel. Throwing unwanted globes and batteries into landfill contaminates underground water supplies, putting both the environment and human health at risk.
How to participate
Fluorescent and mixed globes: Complete a work request to have blown lights replaced and recycled by Facilities Services Division.
The following globes are recyclable:
- Linear Fluorescent Tubes
- U-Shaped & Coated Fluorescents
- High Pressure Mercury Vapour
- High Pressure Sodium Vapour
- Metal Halide
- Ultraviolet
- Projector Lamps
- Compact Fluorescent Lamps
- Incandescent Lamps
- Neon Tubing
Batteries: Collect unwanted batteries in a suitable container and email sustainability@deakin.edu.au to arrange to drop them off at the nearest collection point.
Table 1: Drop off points
| Melbourne Burwood Campus | K |
| Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus | lc |
| Warrnambool Campus | K |
Batteries can be collected at Geelong Waterfront Campus and taken to the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus collection point for recycling.
The following batteries are recyclable:
| Single use batteries | Rechargable batteries |
| Torches | Mobile and cordless phones |
| Radios | Laptop computers |
| Calculators | Digital and video cameras |
| TV/Stereo remote controls | Electric shavers |
| Smoke alarms | Cordless power tools |
| Watches |
Pilot Program DON'TS
Do not handle leaking batteries, broken tubes or globes without proper personal protective gear.
Do not bring batteries or globes in from home, they are not accepted in the University pilot program, contact your local Council.
For more information about recycling batteries and globes please download the Frequently Asked Questions factsheet (126 KB)
Did you know?
Information Technology Services and the Institute for Technology Research and Innovation are collecting their own batteries for recycling following the same system as the pilot program.
