Battery fire prompts disposal warning
Published on 20 August 2026
- Fire ignites at Council Waste Facility from incorrectly disposed battery
- Residents reminded to never place batteries in household bins
- Battery-related fires pose a serious risk to waste workers and facilities
Fraser Coast Regional Council is reminding residents to never put batteries in household bins and to always dispose of them in designated areas at Council waste facilities, following a fire at one of its waste facilities this month.
Council Waste and Resource Recovery spokesperson Zane O'Keefe said the fire occurred on Thursday, 13 August at the Maryborough landfill facility, while a contractor was loading 20 tonnes of scrap steel.
“It is suspected the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery that had been incorrectly disposed of and ended up in the steel stockpile," he said.
“The driver immediately unloaded the material, allowing staff to quickly contain and extinguish the fire.
“The Queensland Fire Department attended the site and remained until the fire was declared safe.
“No injuries were reported, and the incident was brought under control quickly, with no significant damage.”
Cr O'Keefe said the incident highlighted the serious fire risk caused when batteries were disposed of incorrectly.
“We have frequent small fires across our facilities caused from small electronics such as vapes and toys,” he said.
“Fortunately, most are minor incidents managed by staff before emergency services are required, but they have the potential to cause serious damage and put people at risk.
“Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in everyday household items and can ignite within seconds if crushed, punctured or compacted in a bin, collection truck or waste processing equipment.
“If it lights up, makes a sound, moves or needs charging, it likely contains a battery.
“Items commonly containing embedded batteries include vapes, electric toothbrushes, toys, Bluetooth speakers, smart watches and power tools.
“Batteries and battery-powered items should never be placed in household waste or recycling bins. They need to be disposed of through the appropriate battery recycling or waste facility collection points.”
Battery recycling drop-off points can be found at https://bcycle.com.au/drop-off/
Residents can learn more about embedded batteries and how to dispose of them safely by visiting: https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-Recycling/Embedded-Batteries