An increasing trend of battery-related fires has prompted an expansion of collection points to dispose of batteries and a review of fire risk management.
Queensland Science and Innovation Minister Andrew Powell said local councils would be provided with $2 million to increase the number of collection points following more than 200 fires in the past 12 months.
“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.”
He said there would also be a review of the State’s Waste Management Strategy to ensure it is fit for purpose.
Brisbane City Council Civic Cabinet Chair for City Standards Sarah Hutton said the funding 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.”
Queensland Fire Department Executive Manager Fire Safety 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,” Superintendent Halverson said.
“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 the nearest battery collection point, visit recyclemate.com.au.
