A $2 million program is supporting councils to expand collection points for problem batteries like those found in vapes and e-scooters.

The new LNP Government has announced a three-point plan to tackle battery safety risks sparked by a spike in dangerous fires.

The three-point plan includes providing $2 million in grants to support councils in expanding their battery collection points at convenient locations, including for problem batteries like those found in vapes and e-scooters.

The plan will be delivered through the Recycling and Jobs Fund, which is funded by Queensland’s waste levy.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell said the Government was taking decisive action to extinguish the risk of battery fires.

“Battery fires have more than doubled over the past five years, an unacceptable upward trend that simply must end,” he said.

“That’s why we’re working with councils to expand sites, bringing drop-off points closer to you.

“But we know there’s more to do, which is why this year we are reviewing our Waste Management Strategy from top to bottom, to ensure we have a fit for purpose action plan that Queenslanders need.”

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Waste portfolio spokesperson Councillor Melissa Taylor said Council welcomed the State Government’s announcement of funding to assist Councils to expand battery disposal points.

“Council will review the purpose and eligibility criteria of the grants in consideration of submitting a potential application for funding,” Cr Taylor said.

TRC currently has a robust battery disposal program in place which includes battery collection points at all of its waste management facilities across the region.

During the last financial year, approximately 75 tonnes of lead acid batteries (motor vehicle/buggy batteries, etc.) and 1.5 tonnes of household batteries were disposed of at TRC’s waste management facilities. Domestic disposal of batteries is free.

Household single use and rechargeable batteries (including batteries removed from vapes) can be recycled at B-Cycle drop off points at most supermarkets and at hardware stores.

To see a full list of where B-Cycle drop off points are located, visit bcycle.com.au/drop-off.

The vape cartridge, reusable pod, and e-liquid (i.e. vape juice) can be taken to a pharmacy and disposed of through the Return Unwanted Medicines (RUM) Program.

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 20 February 2025.