Victorian households could soon find it easier to get rid of batteries with the amount of battery collection points set to expand.
The state government has announced $1.7 million in funding for local councils and charities to establish convenient battery drop-off points.
Thanks to the growing popularity of vapes, e-scooters, shavers and toys, the disposal and recycling of batteries has become a big issue for locals councils, with batteries and other E-waste posing an environmental and health and safety risk when not disposed of correctly.
Waste collectors and fire rescue organisations, including Fire Rescue Victoria, have reported an increase in waste truck fires related to batteries being put in kerbside bins.
Through the latest round of the state government’s Circular Economy Hazardous Waste Fund, local councils and charities can apply for grants of up to $22,000 to support the purchase, installation and promotion of battery drop off units.
This money can also go towards improving access to existing battery collection sites.
Acting Environment Minister Gayle Tierney said increasing access to battery collection points would make it easier to safely dispose of them and help to prevent fires.
“We are taking action to manage this problematic waste stream and reduce its impact on the environment by helping establish more drop off locations, keeping more batteries out of household bins,” Ms Tierney said.
For further information and to apply, visit: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/ceif-hazardous-waste-round-4
