Batteries are causing fires in garbage and recycling trucks, igniting in landfill and contaminating soil and waterways after being incorrectly disposed of in kerbside bins.
A series of local and regional incidents, including a garbage truck fire caused by a laptop concealed in a cardboard box last month, has prompted Lake Macquarie City Council to launch a new education and awareness campaign to 'Take Charge of Your Battery Waste'.
All household batteries are flammable and can ignite when exposed to heat or compression, which can occur when compacted by kerbside collection vehicles.
An average of three to four fires a week are being reported in NSW as a result of batteries in waste and recycling trucks, recycling centres, transfer stations, landfills and scrap metal recycling yards.
Fire and Rescue NSW recorded 180 lithium-ion battery fires in 2022, up from just 16 in 2021, and related injuries continue to increase exponentially each year.
Council's Waste Operations Coordinator Kieran Peter said garbage truck drivers were dealing with battery fires in their vehicles more frequently than ever, including an incident in Blacksmiths last year and the May laptop blaze.
"We've had instances where fires have broken out in the trucks and community members have helped our staff manage fires with garden hoses while waiting for emergency services," he said.
"This is a very real threat to safety for our staff, vehicles, locals and their properties."
Even used batteries that end up in landfill are at risk of igniting, with lithium-ion batteries alone responsible for a significant percentage of fires at waste management facilities.
Manager Waste Services Paul Collins said a rise in lithium-ion powered products had contributed to an increase in battery fires.
"Ten times as many e-bikes and e-scooters are being sold now compared to six years ago, so there are far more rechargeable and lithium-ion batteries in circulation," he said.
"When these batteries reach the end of their life or become damaged, people often mistakenly think it's okay to throw them away in the garbage or recycling bin.
"We're calling on all Lake Mac residents to take charge of their battery waste by taking it to appropriate drop-off facilities for recycling, which helps protect our drivers, vehicles and the wider community."
Council has added a free lithium-ion battery drop-off at the Awaba Community Recycling Centre, and offers recycling options for other household batteries at a number of Council facilities, including most libraries.
Visit lakemac.com.au to learn more about the campaign and recycling options for battery waste.
