Batteries are found in many common household goods and, while they help make life easier, incorrect disposal of batteries in the kerbside bin creates a real risk of fires. The number of fires in waste facilities and collection trucks is increasing. It is estimated that battery-related fires are now occurring as frequently as once a week, putting lives and the environment at risk.
In 2023 there have already been 3 fires at Lithgow Solid Waste Facility caused by incorrect battery disposal either at the landfill or through the kerbside system. These fires have the potential to risk the safety of workers and cause significant environmental damage. There is also the real risk that a fire could force the closure of the facility for an extended period.
Batteries don’t ever go in the bin but there are easy ways to safely drop off your old batteries.
Regular household batteries such as ‘AAA’ batteries, watch batteries and rechargeable batteries can be dropped off at the collection boxes at the following areas:
- Council’s administration building,
- The library branches and,
- The Community Recycling Centre within the Lithgow Solid Waste Facility.
- Some retailers also collect old batteries. Visit the B-cycle website, at bcycle.com.au, to check for stores near you that collect used batteries.
Items that have batteries that you cannot remove are classified as electronic waste or ‘e-waste’. E-waste can be disposed of at the Resource Recovery Centre within the Lithgow Solid Wate Facility. Mobile phones can also be dropped off at Council’s administration building and the Lithgow Library.
Batteries can’t go in the bin so please make sure they are safely recycled by dropping them off at a battery collection point or as e-waste.
The Resource Recovery Centre is open 7 days a week, except Good Friday and Christmas Day, with entry from 8am until 4.45pm. The battery drop-off boxes at Council’s administration building and library branches are available during opening hours.
Visit Council’s website and look under ‘Recycling Locations in the Lithgow LGA’ for more information or contact Council on 6354 9999.