$1.7 million for more battery collection sites

Victorian councils and registered charities can apply to share in $1.7 million in funding, to establish new battery drop off locations, supporting battery recovery rates and keeping batteries out of household bins.

Grants of up to $22,000 will be delivered through the Circular Economy Hazardous Waste Fund – Round Four, to improve access to battery collection sites and support the purchase, installation and promotion of battery drop off units.

E-waste, one of the fastest growing waste streams in Australia, includes embedded batteries in vapes, e-scooters, shavers and toys, and poses an environmental and health and safety risk when not disposed of correctly.

Waste collectors and fire rescue organisations, including Fire Rescue Victoria, have reported an increase in waste truck fires related to batteries being put in kerbside bins.

The funded facilities will accept a wide range of battery types including loose household batteries, batteries from e-cigarettes, embedded batteries in small devices such as electric toothbrushes, and larger batteries weighing up to 60 kilograms.

Round 3 Hazardous Waste Fund provided $2 million to establish a lithium-ion and embedded battery processing and recycling facility – increasing Victoria’s capacity to process lithium-ion batteries by 8,000 tonnes per year.

With only a small quantity of lithium-ion battery waste currently being processed in Australia, the project based in Campbellfield will play a crucial role in increasing Victoria’s capacity to recycle batteries.

Gayle Tierney, Acting Minister for Environment, said increasing access to battery collection points will make it easier for Victorians to safely and correctly dispose of batteries and help prevent fires.

“We are taking action to manage this problematic waste stream and reduce its impact on the environment by helping establish more drop off locations, keeping more batteries out of household bins,” said Tierney.

For more information, visit: www.premier.vic.gov.au/