Safer battery and electronics disposal

SAFER disposal of batteries and electronics will soon be possible thanks to improved collection points in Bendigo, Ballarat and Golden Plains.

Funding through Sustainability Victoria will enable the installation of new storage infrastructure across the municipalities.

The facilities will accept small items with embedded batteries as well as large battery items such as e-scooters.

Despite e-waste being banned from landfill since 2019, research shows that 41 percent of Victorian households are incorrectly placing batteries in household rubbish bins.

Single use batteries and electronics in kerbside bins and landfill pose serious risks.

Lithium-ion batteries can ignite when crushed in garbage trucks or recycling facilities, causing dangerous fires that endanger waste workers and the community.

Toxic chemicals can also leach into the environment.

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) estimates they attend one fire a day caused by rechargeable batteries.

“When electronic items containing rechargeable batteries are crushed in collection or recycling trucks after being incorrectly disposed of in kerbside bins, they can catch alight,” said Fire Rescue Victoria’s assistant chief fire officer of community resilience Darren McQuade.

“This puts the community at risk.”

A new campaign from Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the State Government is helping raise awareness about the safe disposal of batteries and electronics.

“This campaign is about shining a light on the embedded batteries in everyday items like electric toothbrushes, vacuum cleaners, power tools, e-bikes, vapes, and portable chargers,” said CEO of Sustainability Victoria Matt Genever.

“It will remind Victorians that batteries and e-waste do not belong in kerbside bins.

“It’s a small act that has a big impact on the safety of our environment and community.”

To find the location of safe disposal facilities, residents can visit recyclemate.com.au