Newcastle residents are being urged to remain vigilant this summer, due to the increased fire risk from lithium-ion batteries.

The warning comes after there were 275 incidents reported throughout the state in 2024, with five occurring weekly.

Most recently, a toy car sparked a blaze that destroyed a family home in the Hunter.

In fact, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) indicated battery fires caused 876 evacuations in NSW alone last year, resulting in 26 injuries.

Over Christmas, many gifts contain loose or portable batteries, such as games, power tools, personal care products, electronics and cameras.

But, by January, homes are left with an excess amount of them, creating a hidden and potentially dangerous hazard.

With this in mind, B-cycle – an initiative of the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC) – is asking the community to “Be Bin-Smart and Battery-Safe”.

It’s urging the public to address the seasonal surge by not tossing batteries in the general waste and recycling bins.

Instead, its requesting people bind them with sticky tape and take them to an accredited Drop-off point.

“Improperly stored or disposed of batteries, especially lithium-ion types, can ignite and cause devastating fires,” B-cycle CEO Libby Chaplin said.

“So, it’s vital that we all address this seasonal surge in battery use by adopting safe recycling practices in every household.

“Whether you are giving or receiving battery-powered gifts, choosing high-quality batteries and chargers certified to Australian safety standards is a simple yet effective way to reduce fire risks.”

If temporarily storing used ones, it is best to keep them in a cool, dry place, away from flammable materials and in a flameproof container (like a glass jar) out of reach of children.

“Never put batteries in general waste and recycling bins,” Ms Chaplin said.

“They’re not just a fire risk at home… they can also harm workers in the waste and recycling industry and damage critical infrastructure.

“When a rechargeable battery is crushed inside a waste and recycling truck or at a recycling facility, it starts a chemical reaction that creates an explosive fire.”

The waste and recycling industry estimates 10-12,000 battery-related fires occur each year in Australia, with the cost to replace a destroyed facility being approximately $60 million.

Moreover, recycling helps recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt and nickel, and prevents harmful chemicals, such as lead, cadmium and mercury, from leaching into soil and waterways, protecting ecosystems and public health.

“Every battery you recycle becomes part of something new, powering the creation of fresh batteries, innovative electronics and other essential products,” Ms Chaplin added.

“However, holiday battery safety starts at home.”

Visit B-cycle.com.au to find a convenient Drop-off location.

Key safety tips from B-cycle:

Improperly storing and disposing used batteries can significantly increase the risk of fire.
To reduce that, follow these three key steps.

• Don’t toss them in general waste or recycling bins
• Tape them using clear sticky tape. Cover used battery terminals to prevent contact with other batteries and metals which can spark and cause fires
• Take them to one of more than 5,200 accredited B-cycle Drop-off points nationwide

For more news stories:

• Company fined after dumping asbestos-contaminated waste in Cessnock LGA
• Two charged after break and enter investigation in Lake Mac
• Hunter bus tragedy prompts new seatbelt laws

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