The New South Wales government has enacted new laws in a bid to stem the rise of battery-related fires.
The Parliament passed new laws that implement a mandatory regulation for batteries, requiring brand owners to take responsibility for their product, becoming the first state in Australia to do so.
The new laws aim to curb a dangerous spike in lithium-ion battery incidents, which have become a major headache for emergency services and waste workers.
In 2025 alone, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) recorded 332 battery-related incidents. Such incidents have continued into 2026, with 62 community fires and at least 12 in garbage trucks, waste facilities and rubbish tips, with a further 103 waste industry fires suspected to involve batteries.
Under the reforms, a mandatory product stewardship scheme will be established. This requires brand owners to fund the safe collection and recycling of small batteries (under 5kg), including power banks and those used in e-bikes and e-scooters.
Suppliers who flout the new regulations, set to commence on October 1, could face penalties of up to AU$880,000.
“All too often, products are designed with no consideration for what happens when they reach the end of their life, and batteries are a clear example of the consequences,” Acting Premier Prue Car said.
“Our government has introduced sensible laws to drive behavioural change and ensure battery technology is used responsibly throughout its lifespan.”
To combat the immediate risk, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is ramping up its ‘Never Bin a Battery’ campaign. In a high-visibility partnership with FRNSW, ‘Never Bin a Battery’ decals will be plastered across 25 fire trucks in high-risk areas, including Sydney’s West, the City of Sydney, and the Central Coast.
FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell warned that lithium-ion fires are uniquely dangerous, often involving thermal runaway that expels toxic, explosive gas.
“One battery in the wrong bin can start a fire, but one battery recycled properly can prevent it,” added Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis.
