The Queensland Government has announced a three-point plan to help councils tackle battery safety risks, following a spike in dangerous fires.
The Government’s three-point plan includes:
- Providing $2 million in grants to support councils in expanding their battery collection points at convenient locations, including for problem batteries like those found in vapes and e-scooters;
- Working closely with the waste industry on practical ways to reduce fire risks to protect workers and essential waste services;
- Equipping Queenslanders with information to make informed decisions about safe battery disposal through education and awareness initiatives.
The plan will be delivered through the Recycling and Jobs Fund, which is funded by Queensland’s waste levy.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell said the Government was taking decisive action to extinguish the risk of battery fires.
“Battery fires have more than doubled over the past five years, an unacceptable upward trend that simply must end,” Minister Powell said.
“We know that for many people across the state, getting to a collection point is not as simple as it sounds.
“That’s why we’re working with councils to expand sites, bringing drop-off points closer to you.
“But we know there’s more to do, which is why this year we are reviewing our Waste Management Strategy from top to bottom, to ensure we have a fit for purpose action plan that Queenslanders need.”
Brisbane City Council Civic Cabinet Chair for City Standards, Councillor Sarah Hutton said the plan would make it easier for people to dispose of potentially dangerous waste properly.
“We want Brisbane to remain Australia’s lifestyle capital so we’re doing all we can to keep our suburbs safe and clean,” Cr Hutton said.
“Disposing of batteries and items that have batteries such as vapes, electric toothbrushes and e-scooters in your household bin can cause fires and is a serious safety concern for our community.
“This additional funding from the Crisafulli Government will allow us to deliver more convenient collection points across our suburbs which will make it easier and safer for people to bin batteries.”
Queensland Fire Department Executive Manager Fire Safety, Superintendent Mark Halverson said the rise in preventable battery fires was an unnecessary and dangerous strain on resources.
“We’re urging Queenslanders not to bin batteries in their kerbside bins, which can cause dangerous fires that can quickly get out of control, risking life and property,” said Superintendent Halverson.
“Binning batteries isn’t worth the very real risk to your safety or putting waste workers in harm’s way.”
For more information, or to find your nearest battery collection point, visit recyclemate.com.au.
