Toyota Australia has had a recycling process for the battery packs of its hybrid-technology vehicles for more than seven years.

The process was put in place ahead of the Australian launch of the world's first mass-produced hybrid, the petrol-electric Toyota Prius, in 2001.

Toyota Australia senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said Toyota distributors around the world ensured a battery recycling system was established at the time of launching hybrid vehicles in each market.

"Toyota Australia regards the batteries as a key ecological issue and has had a recycling solution in place for more than seven years," Mr Buttner said.

The hybrid Camry, to be produced in Australia from 2010, uses the same type of battery as in Prius - nickel-metal hydride.

Toyota dealers are the central collection points for batteries, which are then transferred to certified Toyota recycling partners in Australia and overseas at no additional cost to consumers.

The recyclers used by Toyota Australia are certified to ISO14001. The local recycler is also licensed by EPA Victoria.

The battery's plastic, metal and copper wire are recycled locally while circuit boards and battery elements are exported for recycling.

Recycling requirements have been provided to customers, emergency services, automobile clubs and industry bodies including the Auto Parts Recyclers Association of Australia.

Roadside assistance and emergency services have also been informed on how to handle hybrid vehicles in the case of a vehicle breakdown or accident.

"Toyota's hybrid batteries are designed to last the life of the vehicle," Mr Buttner said.

"We have sold more than 10,000 hybrid vehicles in Australia. The performance of the batteries has been outstanding, with some Prius already achieving more than 350,000km.

"We have only had to replace 17 batteries in seven years; of these, three have been recycled and the rest used for research and training here and overseas.

"Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive is a core technology for Toyota and an important part of the company's strategy towards the ultimate eco car," he said.