The Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA) is urging the Victorian Government to take immediate steps to address the growing threat of lithium-ion battery (LiB) fires, as the state braces for peak bushfire season.
Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries poses significant fire risks, impacting every level of Victoria’s waste and recycling sector.
While awareness is growing, VWMA said current efforts remain fragmented, with inadequate transparency among stakeholders, leaving critical gaps in addressing the issue.
Mark Smith, VWMA, Executive Officer, said that despite the authority’s ongoing advocacy for better solutions, a lack of substantial government investment continues to heighten risks for the sector and the broader community.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has identified lithium-ion batteries as a critical safety challenge for developed nations, and Victoria is no exception.
VWMA said catastrophic fires, such as those seen overseas in high-rise apartments and waste facilities, could become a reality without decisive action.
State-led programs promoting battery use, including in vehicles and renewable energy systems, have amplified these risks without adequate planning for safe end-of-life management, according to VWMA.
The waste and recycling sector has invested millions in people, infrastructure, and innovative practices to mitigate fire risks.
In 2024, the VWMA delivered engagement and professional development initiatives for councils and industry stakeholders, drove innovations and fostered collaboration across the sector and developed industry standards for emergency response to “hot-load” incidents.
However, the VWMA said these efforts remain unsupported by direct state government funding, leaving industry and community assets most vulnerable to fire threats.
Smith said that addressing lithium-ion battery fires demands fresh thinking and updated resource allocation strategies.
The VWMA is calling on the Victorian Government to:
– Lead nationally: Champion lithium-ion battery safety at the next Meeting of Environment Ministers (MEM) and push for national prioritisation of this issue.
– Invest and collaborate: Partner with the VWMA to expand its work programs and deliver solutions that improve battery disposal and reduce fire risks.
– Adopt a comprehensive approach: Align policies, resource recovery strategies, and emergency responses across government to tackle this challenge effectively.
Smith said the rules governing the Sustainability Fund must be modernised to reflect the realities of 2025 and beyond.
“Victoria has an opportunity to lead the nation in tackling lithium-ion battery safety,” he said.
“By acting now, the state government can protect lives, safeguard infrastructure, and set a benchmark for national collaboration and innovation in waste and resource recovery.”
The VWMA remains committed to working with the government and industry stakeholders to develop meaningful solutions that protect communities, infrastructure, and the environment from the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires.
For more information, www.vwma.com.au
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