A total of 419kg of lead-acid car batteries and 130kg of smaller batteries, from replaceable cells to power units embedded in devices, were collected at four drop-off points.
"The uptake and engagement with this new initiative for Clutha has been amazing," Mr Martin said.
"I have heard from many people that they had drawers full of old batteries they didn’t know what to do with, so they’ve been able to have a good clear out, which is great."
In fact, engagement has been so enthusiastic, another drop off at Lawrence Community Library has been added to those at Clutha District Council Chambers, Mt Cooee Landfill, Tokomairiro Community Hub and the Balclutha and Tapanui libraries.
Battery drop-off is free, the costs for "environmentally and socially responsible recycling" covered by the central government’s Waste Levy Funding .
Vehicle batteries should be taken to Mt Cooee, where kiosk staff will accept all battery types and advise people where to leave them.
Mr Martin was pleased people were using the service and living up to the council’s motto: "Keep Clutha bright — recycle your batteries right."
"It is imperative that we keep these high risk, toxic items out of our waste stream and always recycle these finite resources where possible for future use," he said.
