Georgia said batteries contain toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead.

Georgia wants to raise awareness about the issue and to reduce the amount going to landfill in the community. 

“Especially at this time of year as we go through so many,” she said. 

People are invited to drop their small batteries to Georgia at Camden Haven's Local Lawyers and Conveyancers on Bold Street, and she will take them to an appropriate site to recycle them. 

Georgia’s son recently found some rechargeable batteries in their home, which she said is an important way to reduce battery waste.

According to Planet Ark’s website each battery can be recharged up to 1000 times.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council offers a free service for the disposal of mobile phones, batteries and light bulbs.

Bins are available in the foyer at the Port Macquarie and Wauchope council offices and can be handed in over the counter at the Laurieton council office.

Only domestic, standard sized light bulbs and small domestic batteries can be collected at these locations and council will only accept household amounts of these recyclable items. 

For more information about how and where to recycle visit council’s website at www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Services/Waste/Manage-your-recycling or www.recyclingnearyou.com.au/batteries/PortMacquarieHastingsNSW