Don’t let batteries spark a fire this holiday season. Photo: B-Cycle.
For many of us, the summer holidays bring joy, celebration and gifts and we are often left with a surplus of used batteries – creating a hidden and potentially dangerous hazard.
Residents across the state are being urged to be vigilant due to the increased fire risk from lithium-ion batteries. According to CSIRO, Australia produces 76 million tonnes of waste, which increases by 30 per cent during the festive season. As a result, the number of batteries being used in homes and discarded is even higher than usual, with many popular gifts containing loose lithium-ion batteries.
In NSW, there were 275 battery-related incidents in 2024, with more than five battery-related fires occurring weekly. Fire and Rescue NSW said battery fires had caused 876 evacuations statewide in 2024, and resulted in 26 injuries.
Ninety per cent of Australia’s used batteries end up in landfills, where they leak toxic materials into the environment. B-cycle – Australia’s official battery-recycling scheme – aims to make a change by keeping batteries (and their contents) out of soils and waterways.
“Improperly stored or disposed of batteries, especially lithium-ion types, can ignite and cause devastating fires,” said B-cycle CEO Libby Chaplin.
“This year alone, there have been hundreds of battery-related fires in Australian homes.
“It’s vital that we all address this seasonal surge in battery use by adopting safe recycling practices in every household.”
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). B-cycle urges everyone to protect their homes and loved ones this holiday season by buying quality products and safely recycling used batteries.
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.
“Whether you are giving or receiving battery-powered gifts, choosing high-quality batteries and chargers certified to Australian safety standards is a simple yet effective way to reduce fire risks,” Ms Chaplin said.
“Never put batteries in general waste and recycling bins. 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 10,000 to 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 about $60 million, and to replace a damaged truck between $250,000 and $500,000.
Moreover, recycling helps recover valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, and prevents harmful chemicals, including lead, cadmium and mercury, from leaching into soils 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,” Ms Chaplin said.
“Holiday battery safety starts at home. We urge all Australians to take a moment to check their homes for used batteries and recycle them safely to protect their families and communities.”
Key Safety Tips from B-cycle:
Improperly storing and disposing of used batteries can significantly increase the risk of fire. To reduce that danger, 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 more than 5200 accredited B-cycle drop-off points nationwide.
If temporarily storing your used batteries, it is best to keep them in a cool, dry place, away from flammable materials and a flameproof container (like a glass jar) out of reach of children.
Visit B-cycle.com.au to find a convenient drop-off location and join the movement to make summer safer for all.
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