Have you ever seen just how fast a battery fire can break out when a battery ignites inside a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)? This video shows it in real time, and it happens in seconds.
Fortunately, in this instance, the battery fire started in a contained receptacle and the machine operator acted quickly to prevent it from spreading. But imagine if the same thing occurred on the tipping floor or in the back of a rubbish collection truck. The outcome could have been catastrophic.
Battery fires are becoming an increasingly serious issue in the Australian waste and recycling industry. According to the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI), hundreds of fires are now reported annually at waste facilities and in garbage trucks due to improper battery disposal. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in mobile phones, laptops, e-scooters and power tools, are particularly dangerous when crushed or punctured, as they can ignite or explode without warning.
Read more: The ripple effect of battery fires
In 2023, the National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) reported a rise in fire incidents linked to discarded batteries, with some facilities experiencing multiple fires in a single year. These fires pose a significant risk to worker safety, damage critical infrastructure, and lead to costly service disruptions.
The danger extends beyond MRFs: when batteries are thrown in kerbside bins, they can ignite during compaction in collection vehicles, threatening the safety of drivers and the public.
ABRI and state governments are calling for greater public education, clearer labelling, and dedicated drop-off points for batteries. Safe disposal is not just good practice, it’s essential to protecting Australia’s recycling infrastructure and the people who work within it.