Incidents of battery-related fires are rising across Australia, as warned by nearly every state and territory fire and rescue service and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
“Improperly stored or disposed of batteries, especially lithium-ion types, can ignite and cause devastating fires,” warns Libby Chaplin, CEO of B-cycle. “This year alone, there have been hundreds of battery-related fires in Australian homes.”
Many gifts shared over the holiday period, from toys and gadgets to decorations, rely on loose or portable batteries. But by January, homes across the country are left with an excess amount of used batteries, creating a hidden and potentially dangerous hazard.
B-cycle urges all Australians to protect their homes and loved ones this holiday season by buying quality products and safely recycling used batteries.
“It’s vital that we all address this seasonal surge in battery use by adopting safe recycling practices in every household.”
Australians are being urged to take particular caution with popular gifts containing loose or portable batteries, such as games, power tools, personal care products, electronics and cameras.
Button batteries, commonly found in toys, musical gift cards and books, are particularly hazardous. In addition to posing a fire risk, button batteries can be swallowed by young children and pets, leading to serious harm.
Key safety tips from B-cycle
Improperly storing and disposing used batteries can significantly increase the risk of fire. To reduce the fire risk, follow these three key steps.
- Don’t toss them in general waste or recycling bins
- Tape them using clear sticky tape. Cover used battery terminals to prevent contact with other batteries and metals which can spark and cause fires
- Take them to one of over 5200 accredited B-cycle Drop off points nationwide
“Never put batteries in general waste and recycling bins,” says Ms Chaplin. “They’re not just a fire risk at home – they can also harm workers in the waste and recycling industry and damage critical infrastructure. When a rechargeable battery is crushed inside a waste and recycling truck or at a recycling facility, it starts a chemical reaction that creates an explosive fire.”
The waste and recycling industry estimates 10-12,000 battery-related fires occur each year in Australia’s waste and recycling streams, with the cost to replace a destroyed recycling facility being approximately $60 million, and to replace a damaged truck between $250,000 and $500,000.
Moreover, recycling helps recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, and prevents harmful chemicals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, from leaching into soil and waterways, protecting ecosystems and public health.
“Every battery you recycle becomes part of something new, powering the creation of fresh batteries, innovative electronics, and other essential products,” says Ms Chaplin.
