The Allan Labor Government is making it easier for households to safely dispose and recycle batteries with the expansion of battery collection points across the state.
Acting Minister for Environment Gayle Tierney today announced $1.7 million in funding through the Circular Economy Hazardous Waste Fund - Round 4 to improve access to battery collection sites.
Funding is available to local councils and registered charities to establish convenient battery drop off locations, supporting battery recovery rates and keeping batteries out of household bins.
E-waste, one of the fastest growing waste streams in Australia, includes embedded batteries in vapes, e-scooters, shavers and toys, and poses an environmental and health and safety risk when not disposed of correctly.
Waste collectors and fire rescue organisations, including Fire Rescue Victoria, have reported an increase in waste truck fires related to batteries being put in kerbside bins.
Local councils and charities are invited to apply for grants of up to $22,000 to support the purchase, installation and promotion of battery drop off units.
The funded facilities will accept a wide range of battery types including loose household batteries, batteries from e-cigarettes, embedded batteries in small devices such as electric toothbrushes, and larger batteries weighing up to 60 kg.
Round 3 Hazardous Waste Fund had two projects share in $3.5 million to establish lithium-ion processing and recycling facilities - increasing Victoria's capacity to process lithium-ion batteries by 19,500 tonnes per year.
With only a small quantity of lithium-ion battery waste currently being processed in Australia, the two projects based in Stawell and Campbellfield will play a crucial role in in increasing Victoria's capacity to reuse valuable battery materials.
The Labor Government has invested more than $7 million in hazardous waste projects to protect the environment and improve hazardous waste management over the past five years.
For further information and to apply please visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/ceif-hazardous-waste-round-4(opens in a new window)
As stated by Acting Minister for Environment Gayle Tierney
"Increasing access to battery collection points will make it easier for Victorians to safely and correctly dispose of batteries and prevent fires."
"We are taking action to manage this problematic waste stream and reduce its impact on the environment by helping establish more drop off locations, keeping more batteries out of household bins."
