Wide Bay councils tackle battery fire risks

Published on 02 March 2026

Wide Bay Burnett residents are being urged to safely dispose of battery-powered devices this March and April as four councils join forces to reduce the risk of battery-related fires.

The regional initiative is a partnership between Fraser Coast Bundaberg, Gympie and North Burnett councils, supported by Queensland Government funding aimed at expanding safe battery disposal and reducing fire hazards in waste facilities and waste collection trucks.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said many residents were unaware of how dangerous lithium-ion batteries can be once placed in household bins.

“If it lights up, makes a sound, moves or needs charging, it likely contains a battery,” he said.

“When these batteries are crushed in a bin or waste truck, they can ignite within seconds and cause intense fires.

“This initiative gives residents a safe and free way to dispose of those old devices that are often forgotten in drawers, sheds and cupboards.”

Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn said the regional collaboration was about protecting both workers and the community.

“Lithium-ion batteries are powering more of the products we use every day,” she said. “But they don’t belong in household bins. This program makes it easy for residents to do the right thing.”

Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the issue is largely preventable if batteries are disposed of correctly.

“Lithium-ion batteries in particular are highly combustible if punctured or compacted, which is exactly what happens in waste trucks and processing facilities,” he said.

“Businesses that sell products containing batteries can play a key role by displaying the Queensland Government’s Don’t Bin Batteries campaign information and reminding customers how to dispose of batteries safely.

“Changing behaviour at the point of purchase is one of the most effective ways to prevent batteries ending up in the wrong place.”

North Burnett Mayor Les Hotz said preventing battery-related fires was critical for regional waste facilities.

“Even just one battery can cause significant damage,” he said. “We’re encouraging everyone to take advantage of this free service while it’s widely available.”

Lithium-ion and embedded batteries are built into many common household items and are not designed to be easily removed. They are found in:

• Vapes and e-cigarettes;
• Electric toothbrushes and shavers;
• Flashing or light-up toys;
• Bluetooth speakers and headphones;
• Smart watches and wearable devices; and
• Power tools.

During March and April, residents can bring devices with embedded batteries to participating Council waste facilities for free disposal.

Specialised fire-rated collection drums will be in place to safely contain the batteries and reduce ignition risks.

The initiative is proudly supported by the Queensland Government’s Local Government Battery Collection Program, which has provided more than $1 million to councils across Queensland to expand battery collection points and raise awareness about the risks of improper disposal.

Residents are reminded never to place batteries or battery-powered devices in kerbside bins and not to attempt to remove embedded batteries using tools.

For more information, including participating waste facilities across the region and a full list of accepted items, please visit your Council’s website.