For many Australians, the summer holidays are a time of joy, togetherness and celebration, but they also come with an often-overlooked fire risk. Many gifts, from toys and gadgets to decorations, rely on loose or portable batteries. But by January, homes across the country are left with an excess amount of used batteries, creating a hidden and potentially dangerous hazard.

“Improperly stored or disposed of batteries, especially lithium-ion types, can ignite and cause devastating fires,” warns Libby Chaplin, CEO of B-cycle. “This year alone, there have been hundreds of battery-related fires in Australian homes.”

“It’s vital that we all address this seasonal surge in battery use by adopting safe recycling practices in every household.”

Incidents of battery-related fires are rising across Australia, as warned by nearly every state and territory fire and rescue service and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). B-cycle urges all Australians to protect their homes and loved ones this holiday season by buying quality products and safely recycling used batteries.

Australians are being urged to take particular caution with popular gifts containing loose or portable batteries, such as games, power tools, personal care products, electronics and cameras. Button batteries, commonly found in toys, musical gift cards and books, are particularly hazardous. In addition to posing a fire risk, button batteries can be swallowed by young children and pets, leading to serious harm.

“Whether you are giving or receiving battery-powered gifts, choosing high-quality batteries and chargers certified to Australian safety standards is a simple yet effective way to reduce fire risks.”

Key Safety Tips from B-cycle:

Improperly storing and disposing used batteries can significantly increase the risk of fire. To reduce the fire risk, follow these three key steps.

Don’t toss them in general waste or recycling bins

Tape them using clear sticky tape. Cover used battery terminals to prevent contact with other batteries and metals which can spark and cause fires

Take them to one of over 5,200 accredited B-cycle Drop off points nationwide

If temporarily storing your used batteries, it is best to keep them in a cool, dry place, away from flammable materials and in a flameproof container (like a glass jar) out of reach of children.

“Never put batteries in general waste and recycling bins,” says Chaplin. “They’re not just a fire risk at home—they can also harm workers in the waste and recycling industry and damage critical infrastructure. When a rechargeable battery is crushed inside a waste and recycling truck or at a recycling facility, it starts a chemical reaction that creates an explosive fire.

Recycling your used batteries is now free and easy with B-cycle. It is essential to protect your loved ones and your community.”

The waste and recycling industry estimates1 10-12,000 battery-related fires occur each year in Australia’s waste and recycling streams, with the cost to replace a destroyed recycling facility being approximately $60 million, and to replace a damaged truck between $250,000 and $500,000.

Moreover, recycling helps recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, and prevents harmful chemicals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, from leaching into soil and waterways, protecting ecosystems and public health, “Every battery you recycle becomes part of something new, powering the creation of fresh batteries, innovative electronics, and other essential products,” says Chaplin.

“Holiday battery safety starts at home. We urge all Australians to take a moment to check their homes for used batteries and recycle them safely to protect their families and communities,” concludes Chaplin.

Visit B-cycle.com.au to find a convenient Drop –off location and join the movement to make summer safer for all.

ABOUT BSC AND B-CYCLE 

The Battery Stewardship Council (BSC), established in 2018, aims to build and sustain a strong battery stewardship community, supporting Australia’s transition to a circular economy. Its flagship initiative, the B-cycle Scheme, is Australia’s first nationwide, government-backed battery stewardship scheme, facilitating safe and accessible battery recycling for consumers across metropolitan, regional, and remote areas. Launched in 2022, B-cycle is authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and supported by the Federal, State and Territory Governments. It unites industry, government, and everyday Australians under BSC’s vision to ensure the responsible management of batteries across their entire lifecycle while conserving Australia’s finite resources.

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