Take charge – recycle your batteries

Published on 16 July 2024

Batteries cause two to three fires in local recycling collection trucks every year – and the risk is growing.

Nationally, there were around 1,000 fires directly related to lithium-ion batteries in the waste and recycling sector last year. That’s around three a day.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are contained in common household items, including most mobile phones, laptops, tablets, e-scooters, e-bikes and power tools.

Batteries can cause fires when they overheat or explode if they are disposed of incorrectly or if they are damaged. Fires causes by batteries can be hard and even dangerous to put out.

With a projected growth in the number of batteries dumped in waste or recycling bins, battery-related fires are expected to rise.

“Batteries are being incorrectly placed in kerbside bins, either loose or concealed in disposable products such as vapes,” says Lynda Wedding, City of Onkaparinga’s Waste and Recycling Education Coordinator.

“Batteries contain harmful substances like zinc, manganese, lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium.

“We’ve had two recent fires in recycling trucks related to batteries. Because these trucks carry dry, combustible loads, the risk of fire is significant.”

Lynda says there is a monetary cost to ratepayers and the community – as well as environmental impacts from fire emissions.

Repair and labour costs for the two trucks involved in the recent incidents totalled around $20,000. A further $10,500 was lost in associated downtime.

There is also a serious risk to workers operating across the waste and recycling chain, from drivers through to landfill workers and those sorting goods in facilities such as the multimillion-dollar Southern Materials Recovery Facility in Seaford Heights.

Thankfully, reducing the risk to workers, equipment and property is easy.

Lynda’s first tip is simple: “Don’t put batteries in kerbside bins.” Instead, use one of the many free drop-off points available.  

Most battery retailers, such as hardware stores and supermarkets like Aldi, Coles and Woolworths, accept old batteries. Businesses can order recycling containers for the collection of commercial batteries from several organisations. 

“Many materials in batteries, like metals and chemicals, can be recovered and reused in new products,” Lynda says.  

“Recycling batteries not only reduces our reliance on raw materials but also keeps them out of landfill and removes the risk of dangerous stockpiles at home.” 

Before disposal, tape over battery terminals with clear sticky tape to prevent fires, keep them in a cool, dry place – preferably in a glass jar – and store different battery types separately to avoid chemical reactions.  

If a battery is leaking or swollen, handle it with gloves, put it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it at a designated drop-off point immediately, as swollen batteries can spontaneously combust. 

“Not all drop-off points accept every type of battery, so check before you head in. Lead-acid batteries, like those found in cars and boats, should be taken to your local scrap metal recycler,” says Lynda.

“Correctly disposing of household batteries is a community responsibility.”

By staying informed and using local resources, residents can protect the environment and ensure public safety.  

MORE INFORMATION 

A complete battery recycling guide is available on the City of Onkaparinga’s website.

For more detailed information on battery safety and safe storage, visit the B Cycle website.  

For a list of local drop-off locations visit the Eco Batt website. 

IMAGE: Jett and Cleo recycle their used batteries