Sell & Parker Battery Recyclers have been working closely with Stronghold to develop a purpose-built solution for a critical challenge in modern recycling: the safe handling and transport of lithium and other high-risk batteries. As battery use continues to grow across retail, commercial and industrial settings, so too does the need for robust systems that prioritise safety, compliance and long-term sustainability.
At the centre of this collaboration is the design and manufacture of DG-rated transport stillages engineered for battery collection and movement. The project brought together the operational experience of Sell & Parker and the fabrication expertise of Stronghold, with a shared focus on reducing risk during the battery recycling process.
From the outset, safety considerations drove the design process. Lithium batteries, in particular, present well-documented hazards, including the risk of fire and thermal runaway if damaged, overheated or improperly stored. To address these risks, Stronghold incorporated perforated cut-outs into the lids of the stillages. These openings allow PyroBubbles material to be deployed directly into the stillage should an incident occur. When released, the PyroBubbles encapsulate the fire, helping to suppress and contain it at the source, rather than allowing it to escalate during storage or transport.
The stillages themselves are constructed from 100 per cent steel and are welded to maximise structural integrity. This approach ensures strength, durability and fire containment, even under demanding transport conditions. A durable protective coating has been applied to withstand repeated handling, loading and unloading, supporting long service life and reducing the need for early replacement. Importantly, the stillages are Australian made, aligning with a broader commitment to supporting local manufacturing and ensuring consistent quality and supply.
These DG-rated stillages form part of a wider national solution delivered by Sell & Parker for a large retailer operating across multiple locations throughout Australia. The program supports the safe collection, consolidation, transport and recycling of batteries from numerous sites, helping to manage risk at scale. By combining purpose-designed equipment with clear procedures and regulatory compliance, the solution enables batteries to be recovered safely while keeping staff, sites and transport operators protected.
The emphasis on locally manufactured equipment also supports circular economy outcomes. By investing in durable, repairable assets produced within Australia, the system reduces reliance on imported alternatives and contributes to domestic capability in managing hazardous waste streams. At the end of their service life, both the batteries and the steel stillages themselves can be recycled, reinforcing closed-loop principles.
In addition to standard battery stillages, Sell & Parker also manages larger or non-standard battery formats. Larger batteries can be collected and wrapped before being securely strapped into a DG container. These units can then be transported directly for recycling, following strict dangerous goods requirements. This capability highlights the flexibility of Sell & Parker’s services and its capacity to adapt to varying battery sizes, weights and risk profiles.
The DG containers used for bulk batteries are designed to provide bunding, ventilation and compliant containment in line with Australian Dangerous Goods storage and handling requirements.
Ventilation reduces the build-up of heat and gases, while bunding helps contain any leaks or failures, adding an extra layer of protection during storage and transport. This service is designed for larger battery formats that cannot be safely managed using standard stillages alone. Across all collections, batteries are then transported in compliance with dangerous goods and transport regulations. Procedures are followed from the point of initial handling through to final processing, ensuring both regulatory and environmental compliance. This structured approach reduces uncertainty for clients and provides confidence that batteries are being managed responsibly from start to finish.
Flexibility is another feature of the service. DG containers can be emptied or replaced according to site needs, allowing collections to be scheduled without disrupting day-to-day operations. This is important for large or high-throughput sites, where downtime can have operational impacts.
The collaboration with Stronghold reflects a practical, safety-first approach to equipment design. Rather than retrofitting solutions after incidents occur, the way both companies work together demonstrates the value of anticipating risk and engineering it out wherever possible.
As battery volumes continue to increase and regulations evolve, the need for robust, compliant and locally supported solutions will only grow.
Through thoughtful design, strong partnerships and a clear focus on safety, Sell & Parker is positioning itself to support clients with both standard and complex battery recycling requirements, helping to protect people, property and the environment while enabling valuable materials to be recovered and reused.