- Crisafulli Government making it easier for Queenslanders to safely dispose of batteries in the community.
- Fourteen councils across Queensland to deliver more than 100 new battery disposal locations.
- Program follows decade of decline under Labor that saw more waste going to landfill than ever before.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future.
The Crisafulli 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 deliver a better plan for Queensland's future, reducing landfill, safeguarding the environment and creating 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 Crisafulli Government's plan to tackle battery safety risks after a decade of decline under Labor that saw the highest amount of waste sent to landfill in Queensland history.
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 vape 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 like electric toothbrushes and cordless vacuums.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the program was part of the Crisafulli Government's three-point plan to reduce battery risks.
"Queenslanders want to recycle and dispose of batteries safely, but for many people, getting to a collection point isn't simple," Minister Powell said.
"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."
Full list of recipient councils: Local Government Battery Collection Program | Environment, land and water | Queensland Government
