Lithium-ion batteries, used to power e-bikes and e-scooters, are the fastest growing fire risk in the state according to NSW emergency services. 

To combat the growing issue, Kiama Council is running a community awareness campaign and providing additional safety training for its waste team after its believed the batteries sparked two blazes in the past year.

No-one was injured in the fires, one at the Minnamurra waste depot and another on a recycling truck, but Kiama Council’s waste services manager Guy Stearn says “incidents such as this are always learning opportunities”.

“Many people may not realise that a Li-Ion battery is embedded in something like a children’s toy, an electric toothbrush or even their Christmas lights,” Mr Stearn says.

“People think they’re doing the right thing by getting rid of battery-powered items once they get old or stop working, which they are, but it’s a big no-no to throw them in with your kerbside bins.”

To combat the steep increase in waste fires Kiama Council is working with residents to raise awareness about correct battery disposal. The council’s waste team will also undergo safety and awareness training in preparation for the Household Bulky Waste Drop Off at Minnamurra Depot from March 8-16.

“We’ve improved processes in and around how we handle our waste and conduct our jobs at the Minnamurra Depot,” says Mr Stearn. “This includes better risk assessment procedures and incident reporting.”

He has urged community participants booking a timeslot for this year’s event to read the updated terms and conditions on what can and can’t be disposed of. 

For more information visit: https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Be-battery-aware-for-Bulky-Waste-Drop-Off