Fire authorities, councils and waste operators across the country have issued repeated warnings this summer, as battery related fires continue to damage vehicles, facilities and put workers and communities at risk.
B-cycle CEO Libby Chaplin said summer is a high-risk period, particularly following Christmas when households are more likely to discard old electronics and used batteries.
“Batteries don’t belong in household bins,” Chaplin said.
“When batteries are crushed in waste or recycling bins or rubbish trucks, they can ignite and cause fires very quickly. These incidents are happening now, and they are largely preventable.”
B-cycle’s Positive Charge Report provides new national insights into battery use and disposal, estimating that Australian households currently hold more than 110 million loose or removable batteries, with the average home storing around 11 used batteries across everyday items such as toys, tools, remotes and electronics.
“Many people assume that used or flat batteries are completely inactive, but they can still hold residual energy,” Chaplin said.
“When batteries are stored loose in drawers, containers or garages, and their terminals touch, or if the batteries are damaged, they can spark or overheat.”
“That’s why it’s important to tape battery terminals, store batteries safely and recycle them as soon as possible. These simple steps significantly reduce fire risk.”
You can find where to recycle batteries at https://bcycle.com.au/drop-off/
Locally:
- Aldi Mildura 858 Fifteenth StreetMildura VIC 3500
- Battery World Mildura 846 Fifteenth StMildura VIC 3500
- BIG W Mildura Fifteenth StMildura VIC 3500
- Bunnings Warehouse Mildura Warehouse 639-665 Fifteenth StreetMildura VIC 3500
- Coles Mildura 832 Fifteenth StreetMildura VIC 3500
- Coles Mildura 45-65 Lime AvenueMildura VIC 3500
- Foodworks Red Cliffs 41 Indi AvenueRed Cliffs VIC 3496
- The Good Guys Mildura 670-672 Fifteenth StreetMildura VIC 3500
- IGA Dareton 31-37 Tapio StDareton NSW 2717
- Stihl Shop Mildura 637 Fifteenth StreetMildura VIC 3500
- Total Tools Mildura 314 Etiwanda AveMildura VIC 3500
- Wentworth Community Recycling Centre 258 Arumpo RoadBuronga NSW 2739
- Woolworths Centre Plaza (Mildura) Centre Plaza Cnr Fifteenth St And Deakin AveMildura VIC 3500
- Woolworths Mildura Langtree 95-103 Langtree AveMildura VIC 3500
