Phoenix & MAKITA

Partnership

Makita New Zealand and Phoenix Recycling have teamed up to tackle a growing problem: what happens to power tool batteries once they stop working?

As one of Aotearoa’s most trusted tool brands, Makita recognised the need for a better end-of-life solution for lithium-ion batteries. That’s where Phoenix comes in. We support Makita’s vision by providing the collection infrastructure, certified transport, and safe recycling systems that keep harmful materials out of our landfills.

Together, we’re making it easier for tradies, retailers, and everyday Kiwis to do the right thing, one battery at a time.

REGENERATION IN
ACTION WITH
MAKITA

Makita is one of the world’s top power tool brands, known for building gear that goes the distance. But as battery-powered tools became the standard, Makita New Zealand began asking an important question: What happens to all those batteries when they reach the end of their life?

With lithium-ion battery waste on the rise and customers increasingly asking for responsible disposal options, Makita decided it was time to act. Inspired by their global commitment to sustainability and backed by strong local demand, the team set out to launch a program that aligned with their values, supported their retailers, and protected the environment.

That’s how REGENERATION was born.

REGENERATION is Makita’s battery recycling program, launched in early 2024 and designed to make battery drop-off easy, safe, and accessible across Aotearoa. The name says it all: this is about giving used batteries a new purpose while reducing harm to people and the planet.

To bring REGENERATION to life, they needed a partner who understood the risks of lithium disposal, had the technical know-how to manage it properly, and could deliver a nationwide solution. That’s where Phoenix came in with certified collection systems, heat-monitored battery bins, and the experience to scale a solution that works.

Today, REGENERATION is running in stores and service centres across the country, making it easier than ever to keep lithium out of landfills and build a more circular future for New Zealand.

A Word FROM THE
MAKITA NZ TEAM

Brad Munt, Product Manager at Makita New Zealand, has been closely involved with the REGENERATION Battery Recycling Program from day one. For him, the decision to launch a nationwide recycling initiative wasn’t just about ticking a sustainability box; it was about taking responsibility for the products Makita puts into the world.

“As a supplier of cordless tools, we felt it was our duty. Lithium poses a significant threat to the environment if not handled correctly. It was about corporate social responsibility, but more than that, it was the right thing to do.”

Makita had been hearing from customers, retailers, and even competitors that battery recycling needed urgent attention. The demand was growing, and the company wanted to be proactive. “Once one company in the industry starts something like this, others need to follow. But we didn’t want to just copy; we wanted to build a program that truly aligned with our values. That’s where Phoenix came in.”

Phoenix’s battery recycling capabilities stood out from the start. The heat suppression technology, 24/7 cellular monitoring, and certified safety measures gave the Makita team full confidence that their batteries were being handled with care, both for the environment and their people.

“Safety is non-negotiable for us. You’re dealing with second-hand batteries; you don’t know where they’ve been or what condition they’re in. Phoenix’s ability to monitor and contain heat was the number one selling point for us.”

WHY PHOENIX
WAS THE RIGHT FIT

When Makita set out to launch REGENERATION, they weren’t just looking for a recycling provider; they needed a partner who could match their high standards for safety, service, and scalability. And from day one, Phoenix delivered.

At the heart of this partnership is our purpose-built battery collection technology, designed specifically to handle the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Makita’s top priority was safety for their staff, customers, and service centres, and we provided exactly that with:

24/7 CELLULAR
HEAT MONITORING

Phoenix’s bins are fitted with round-the-clock heat sensors connected to cellular networks. If temperatures rise unexpectedly, an alert is triggered immediately, keeping teams informed and protected.

FIRE CONTAINMENT
SYSTEMS

The bins are engineered to suppress lithium fires, reducing the risk of thermal events and offering a level of hazard control that sets Phoenix apart.

Certified Transport
& National Coverage

With a fleet of hazardous goods-trained drivers and a network of over 240 drop-off points across Aotearoa, Phoenix made it easy for Makita to roll out the program quickly and safely.

THE RESULTS
SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

The REGENERATION Battery Recycling Program is already making a measurable difference in keeping lithium out of landfills and supporting a more sustainable future for Aotearoa.

Since launching in February 2024, Makita and Phoenix have worked together to safely collect and recycle used lithium-ion batteries from customers, service centres, and retailers across the country.

1,205kgs
of batteries
recycled

That’s over a tonne of lithium batteries safely collected from Makita sites around New Zealand, now diverted from landfill and processed by certified Phoenix Recycling facilities.

98%
of battery components Recycled

Batteries collected through REGENERATION are broken down to recover valuable materials like metals, which are then returned to the manufacturing cycle at 98%.

What began as a sustainability initiative has become a nationwide operation, integrated into Makita’s day-to-day business, and helping drive a circular future for tools in New Zealand.