Battery Storage, Maintenance and Responsible Disposal Guide

Store Rechargeable Batteries Safely, Maximise Battery Life and Recycle Responsibly

Proper battery storage, maintenance and disposal help extend battery life, improve reliability and reduce environmental impact.

This guide explains how to safely store, charge, maintain and responsibly recycle rechargeable batteries used in smart locks, wireless keypads, sensors, remotes and other electronic devices.

Why Battery Maintenance Matters

Rechargeable batteries perform best when they are:

Stored correctly
Charged appropriately
Kept clean
Used regularly

Improper storage can reduce battery performance and shorten overall lifespan.

Best Storage Conditions

Avoid

❌ Hot vehicles

❌ Direct sunlight

❌ Humid environments

❌ Exposure to water

❌ Contact with loose coins, keys or metal objects

How to Store Rechargeable Batteries

Step 1

Remove batteries from unused devices.

Step 2

Inspect batteries for damage.

Do not store damaged batteries.

Step 3

Store batteries in a protective container.

Step 4

Label stored batteries where practical.

Step 5

Keep batteries away from extreme temperatures.

Charging Best Practices

Before First Use

Fully charge rechargeable batteries before installation.

During Regular Use

Recharge batteries:

When devices report low battery
When performance begins to decrease
Before extended storage periods

Avoid Deep Discharge

For best long-term performance:

Recharge batteries before they become completely depleted.
Do not leave batteries discharged for extended periods.

Maintaining Battery Contacts

Dirty battery contacts can affect performance.

Cleaning Procedure

Remove batteries from the device.
Inspect the contacts.
Wipe contacts with a clean, dry cloth.
Remove any dust or debris.
Reinstall the batteries.

Using Batteries in Smart Locks

Smart locks depend on reliable battery performance.

To help maximise uptime:

✅ Replace or recharge batteries as a complete set.

✅ Monitor battery warnings.

✅ Check battery status within your lock's mobile app.

✅ Test lock operation regularly.

Seasonal Storage

If batteries will not be used for several months:

Remove them from the device.
Inspect for damage.
Store in a cool, dry location.
Check periodically.
Recharge before returning them to service.

Warning Signs of Battery Issues

Inspect batteries regularly.

Potential warning signs include:

Physical damage
Swelling
Leakage
Excessive heat during charging
Unusual performance issues

If any of these conditions are observed, discontinue use immediately and replace the battery.

Responsible Battery Disposal

Do Not Place Batteries in Household Rubbish

Rechargeable batteries should never be disposed of in household rubbish bins or kerbside recycling bins.

Batteries contain valuable materials that can be recovered and recycled through approved battery recycling programs, helping reduce waste and support a circular economy.

How to Prepare Batteries for Recycling

Before taking batteries to a recycling collection point:

Remove batteries from the device.
Inspect batteries for signs of damage.
Cover battery terminals with non-conductive tape where practical.
Place batteries in a non-metallic container for transport.
Keep batteries away from loose metal objects such as keys and coins.

If a battery is damaged, swollen, leaking or excessively hot, handle it carefully and seek advice from your local recycling service.

Battery Recycling in Australia

Armstrong Smart Access encourages customers to recycle used rechargeable batteries through approved battery recycling programs.

Many supermarkets, retail stores, community recycling centres and participating businesses provide battery collection points for household batteries.

The Australian B-cycle battery stewardship scheme provides a nationwide network of battery recycling locations, helping keep batteries out of landfill while ensuring valuable materials are recovered responsibly.

Find a Battery Recycling Location

To locate a battery recycling drop-off point near you, use the B-cycle recycling location finder and search by postcode or suburb.

Always follow the instructions provided by the collection point when depositing batteries.

Why Recycle Batteries?

Recycling batteries helps:

✅ Reduce landfill waste

✅ Recover valuable materials for reuse

✅ Support a more sustainable environment

✅ Reduce the risk of fires caused by incorrectly disposed batteries

✅ Promote responsible product stewardship

Frequently Asked Questions

Should batteries be removed from unused devices?

Yes.

Removing batteries from devices that will not be used for extended periods helps reduce the risk of damage and performance issues.

How should spare batteries be stored?

Store them in a cool, dry place using a battery case or protective packaging.

Can batteries be stored in a garage?

Only if temperatures remain stable and dry.

Extreme heat may reduce battery life.

How often should stored batteries be checked?

Check periodically and recharge if necessary before returning them to service.

Is it safe to store batteries together?

Yes, provided battery terminals cannot touch metal objects or each other in a way that could cause a short circuit.

Can rechargeable batteries be recycled?