Three-point plan to fight battery-related fires

The Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) welcomes the Queensland Government’s proactive approach to tackling the growing threat of battery-related fires through its new three-point plan.

This $2 million initiative, which will expand battery collection points, enhance fire risk management and raise public awareness, is said to be a crucial step in protecting communities, recycling industry workers and essential recycling infrastructure.

Battery fires are a growing national crisis, with over 10,000 incidents annually across Australian waste and recycling facilities, causing significant risk to worker safety, facility damage and environmental harm. ACOR and the broader recycling industry have consistently called for urgent action.

ACOR CEO Suzanne Toumbourou stated, “Queensland’s commitment to addressing battery fire risks is vital. Expanding collection points, improving fire risk management and partnering with community education initiatives like Recycle Mate, which provides free, localised information, empowers the public to make safe disposal choices, thereby reducing fires and supporting sustainability.”

The Queensland Government’s focus on convenient collection points for problem batteries, including those in vapes and e-scooters, addresses the critical need for safe disposal options. Enhanced education and collaboration with the waste and recycling industry will further reduce improper disposal and mitigate fire hazards.

While this initiative is a positive step forward, ACOR continues to advocate for broader national reforms, including a national extended producer responsibility scheme that ensures manufacturers and importers take proper responsibility for the safe disposal and recovery of all consumer electronics.

“This initiative is a strong start towards a coordinated national approach,” Toumbourou added. “Consistent policies across all jurisdictions are essential to ensure batteries are safely collected, processed and recycled, preventing fires and minimising environmental harm.”

ACOR looks forward to collaborating with the Queensland Government and other jurisdictions to build on this momentum and develop a comprehensive national response to the battery fire crisis.

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