The National Retail Association (NRA), with support from the Queensland Government, has launched a free education program aimed at empowering retailers to become frontline educators in the fight against lithium battery fires.
The initiative provides teams with essential resources to answer customer queries about safe disposal, helping to prevent dangerous dumping and misdirection of hazardous items into the waste stream.
The move comes in response to the increase in household batteries and battery-powered products – from vapes and electric toothbrushes to toys and greeting cards – which frequently cause catastrophic fires when disposed of incorrectly.
The critical link in the chain
Retailers are often the first point of contact for customers seeking guidance on what to do with used batteries, especially when items cannot be accepted through immediate in-store collection bins.
When retail staff lack the correct, up-to-date information, the consequences are severe including unwanted dumping, kerbside contamination and safety risks.
The NRA emphasises that providing clear battery disposal advice is not just a matter of safety; it is a vital component of good customer service and building community trust. By guiding customers to do the right thing, retailers reduce their own risk profiles while actively contributing to public safety.
Free resources
The NRA has developed a suite of free resources available to all Australian retailers, regardless of location or size. These materials can be used both in-store and online to raise awareness and ensure staff consistency when responding to disposal questions.
The resources include:
- A retailer factsheet: Detailed guidance to equip staff with accurate answers to common customer questions.
- An A4 poster: For display at service counters and high-traffic areas to visually prompt safe disposal.
- A DL flyer: A handy take-away guide for customers, illustrating how to safely prepare and dispose of used batteries.
Queensland pilot program
In collaboration with the Queensland Government, the NRA is undertaking a focused visitation program, engaging retailers across 100 shopping centres and retail precincts throughout Queensland to help them immediately implement best practices and respond effectively to the growing volume of battery-related queries.
This program recognises that the lithium battery fire crisis cannot be solved by the waste and recycling industry alone. By engaging retailers, the program creates a proactive educational barrier, reducing the likelihood of dangerous batteries entering the waste stream incorrectly.
For more information, visit: www.nationalretail.org.au
Related stories:
South Australia launches safety campaign to fight lithium-ion battery fires
Waste and recycling industries unite for urgent action on battery fires
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