Melbourne-born Build to Rent business, Local, and SALTO, who provide wireless electronic locking and access control smart solutions have partnered to tackle the issue of battery waste through responsible recycling practices. The partnership will create a closed-loop lifecycle for spent batteries within Local’s Build to Rent communities.
As a B-cycle Accredited Battery Steward via the government-approved Battery Stewardship Council’s (BSC) B-cycle Scheme, SALTO pays a voluntary levy on the lock batteries it imports into the country to fund the B-cycle scheme.
Both companies have also partnered with Ecobatt, a BSC-endorsed battery recycling company based in Melbourne, to set up recycling receptacles at Local’s flagship Build to Rent project – Local Kensington. This will ensure that the spent batteries at the scheme – including those from SALTO smart locks – are recycled responsibly.
“Every element of a Local project is designed with the environment in mind to improve the connection, comfort and quality of the community in and around it. Our buildings are set up to operate at net zero. They will be fully electric and will utilise maximum renewable energy while producing minimal waste, so ensuring that SALTO could guarantee that our on-premises batteries were going to be recycled was a non-negotiable for us.”
Dan McLennan, Local Co-Founder and Co-CEO
By providing Ecobatt recycling receptacles at Local Kensington, batteries can be recycled in the most environmentally responsible way at Ecobatt’s facilities in Campbellfield. This new initiative has also been extended beyond residents and is open to the public who can access Ecobatt receptacles in the staffed lobby, along with communication and education programs, encouraging wider community involvement.
“At SALTO, we too are 100% committed to sustainability and reducing our impact on the environment. When Local approached us to explore the recycling of our lock batteries, we were excited to implement this initiative together.”
Cedric Duigou, SALTO APAC Living Spaces Lead
