The Queensland Government is supercharging efforts to get batteries out of red bins and into safe disposal points through the Local Government Battery Collection Program.
The $2 million program will reduce landfill, safeguard the environment and create a better lifestyle for every Queenslander by reducing the risk of chemical leaks and toxic fires.
Fourteen councils will share in more than $1 million in funding grants to introduce new collection points and services across the state – giving households practical options to dispose of batteries.
This investment will deliver 88 permanent battery collection points, three mobile collection services and 28 temporary ‘pop-up’ locations.
The projects will also include community awareness activities by councils to inform Queenslanders about new collection points, along with fire mitigation risk management equipment and staff training to ensure the safe handling of hazardous materials.
The Local Government Battery Collection Program is a key part of the State Government’s plan to tackle battery safety risks.
The three-point plan announced earlier this year includes:
- $2 million in grants to help councils expand battery collection points at convenient locations, including for problem batteries found in vapes and e-scooters.
- Working with the waste industry on practical ways to reduce fire risks and protect workers and essential waste services.
- Educating Queenslanders on safe battery disposal through targeted awareness campaigns.
The program targets batteries with limited disposal options, including lithium-ion batteries found in vapes, e-scooters, laptops, phones, power tools, children’s toys, and common household items such as electric toothbrushes and cordless vacuums.
“Queenslanders want to recycle and dispose of batteries safely, but for many people, getting to a collection point isn’t simple,” said Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell.
“That’s why we’ve made this funding available to local governments – to put more collection points where people need them.
“Batteries are a hidden danger. They can leak toxic chemicals, spark fires, and put our frontline workers at risk. This program will protect our environment and keep our communities safe.”
See a full list of recipient councils: here
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