Waste facilities across the Toowoomba Region will soon have new battery collection points installed thanks to a partnership between Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) and the Queensland Government.
TRC was recently granted $100,000 by the Queensland Government to deliver the Toowoomba Region Problem Battery Project which will allow for the installation of 14 new collection points for problem batteries across the region and upgrades to existing facilities.
TRC Waste portfolio spokesperson Councillor Melissa Taylor said the program was aimed at preventing incorrect disposal of problem batteries such as lithium-ion batteries.
"The Toowoomba Region Problem Battery Project will see all-weather, fire-resistant enclosures installed at all Council waste management facilities for the collection of problem batteries and to promote safe battery disposal.
"Problem batteries include lithium-ion batteries, particularly those embedded in devices which are not easy for people to separate from the device, or batteries that currently have limited collection options," Cr Taylor said.
"We've seen examples of incorrectly disposed of lithium-ion batteries ending up in kerbside collection bins that, when damaged by the compaction of the collection truck or run over at a waste management facility, can quickly catch fire and cause significant damage.
"It's estimated there are between 10,000 and 12,000 battery-related fires every year across the waste and recycling industry in Australia.With the use of lithium-ion batteries expected to treble over the next few years, this issue is expected to grow.
"This program is about addressing that problem and giving residents a safe option for the correct disposal of devices which contain lithium-ion batteries.
"We acknowledge the funding from the Queensland Government which will allow TRC to deliver this project" she said.
Mostlaptops, mobile phones, e-bikes, e-scooters, power banks and power toolscontain lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common batteries used in rechargeable devices.
Due to the specialised nature of the new battery collection points, they will be custom made and are expected to be installed in the 2026/27 financial year.
