“Ticking time bombs”: Mayor warns of embedded battery risks

In welcome news for garbos and firies across Townsville, hundreds of potentially dangerous disused devices containing embedded batteries have been disposed of for free as part of inter-council program.

But the number of batteries handed in to date through the Household Embedded Battery Collections Program, supported by Townsville City Council, is a drop in the ocean compared to the amount likely lurking in local homes.

The slow take-up of the program, which offers free and safe disposal of embedded batteries before they are processed interstate, has prompted Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto to issue a community-wide reminder of what’s at stake.

“The average Australian home has 33 embedded, usually lithium-ion, battery-powered items ranging from phones through to vacuums and e-bikes; basically, if it’s small, portable and rechargeable, it’s one of the devices we are talking about,” Cr Dametto said.

“Embedded batteries can be extremely dangerous if damaged or crushed causing a chain reaction process called thermal runway that can lead to fire or explosions.

“As a homeowner, you don’t want these items just lying around your house damaged or degraded.

“Equally as a Council, we don’t want our waste collection drivers unknowingly picking these batteries up and crushing them in their truck, possibly starting a fire.

“Please protect yourself, your loved ones and the wider community and make sure they are disposed of safely.”

The Household Embedded Battery Collections Program kicked off in February and will run until 15 November, allowing residents to drop off disused devices for free at select Council’s waste facilities.

The program is an initiative of the North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC), which brings together the Townsville, Burdekin, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook and Palm Island local governments.

NQROC waste coordinator Rachel Cunningham said people might be unaware some household items contain embedded batteries.

“Embedded batteries are those that are hard to remove and they are hidden in everyday items like electric toothbrushes, cordless vacuums, vapes, and e-scooters,” Ms Cunningham said.

“When these items are crushed or damaged, particularly in bins, collection trucks or at waste facilities, they can become a serious fire risk.

“This puts waste collection workers and facilities at risk.

“Never bin your batteries, use the free drop-off points instead and help keep our community safe.”

For more information about the program, please visit Council's website.