The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is running an embedded batteries trial for Central West residents, following a recent increase in fires at local landfills in the region.
Alexandra Geddes, New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Executive Director Programs and Innovation, said batteries must be disposed of properly at a battery recycling drop-off point as they are made of highly combustible materials.
“We are currently running an embedded batteries trial at 21 council-operated Community Recycling Centres, including Bathurst,” she said.
“The centres have designated bins allowing people to safely dispose of embedded battery products, free of charge.”
B-Cycle drop off points also accept loose batteries and are conveniently located at many major retail outlets, including all major supermarkets.
An embedded battery is a small battery that is placed permanently within an item. They are often buried deep within the device and have no easy way of being removed.
“Think twice before throwing an item in the household bin,” said Geddes.
“If it contains a battery and is discarded in your kerbside bin it poses a serious fire risk for garbage trucks and waste facilities.
“Embedded batteries are in all of our homes, including in wireless household products, light up toys and disposable vapes.”
In the last month, three fires have been reported as a result of batteries being incorrectly disposed of in kerbside bins in the Central West region.
There were 193 battery-related fires in New South Wales between 1 January and 1 August, 2024, an 18 per cent increase on the same period last year.
In 2023, the number of lithium-ion battery-related fires in New South Wales jumped to 285, more than double the previous year. The majority were traced back to small devices.
For more information, www.epa.nsw.gov.au/
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