A battery fire in a Darwin recycling truck this week has sparked urgent concerns about the dangers of improper battery disposal. With lithium-ion batteries continuing to cause fires in waste and recycling facilities across Australia, the B-cycle is calling for increased public awareness around safe battery recycling.
Libby Chaplin, CEO of B-cycle, Australia’s first government-backed battery stewardship scheme, is available for interviews to provide expert insights on:
- The risks of disposing of batteries in household bins and why they pose a significant fire hazard
- How to safely recycle batteries at one of 27 Drop-off points within 50km of Darwin, including major supermarkets
- What’s needed to prevent future incidents, including stronger education, policy measures, and improved industry collaboration
Why this matters now:
- Batteries do not belong in household bins. lithium-ion batteries can ignite when crushed, damaged, or exposed to heat, posing serious risks to waste collection and processing workers
- Fires are increasing across Australia. This latest incident in Darwin highlights an urgent need for greater public awareness about safe disposal
- Safe recycling is easy and accessible. B-cycle provides 27 convenient free Drop-off locations in Darwin and surrounding areas, making safe disposal simple for households
ENDS
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:
- Libby Chaplin, CEO, B-cycle
- Brett Buckingham, Director of Engagement and Technology, B-cycle
About us:
ABOUT BSC AND B-CYCLE:
The Battery Stewardship Council (BSC), established in 2018, aims to build and sustain a strong battery stewardship community, supporting Australia’s transition to a circular economy. Its flagship initiative, the B-cycle Scheme, is Australia’s first nationwide, government-backed battery stewardship scheme, facilitating safe and accessible battery recycling for consumers across metropolitan, regional, and remote areas. Launched in 2022, B-cycle is authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and supported by the Federal, State and Territory Governments. It unites industry, government, and everyday Australians under BSC’s vision to ensure the responsible management of batteries across their entire lifecycle while conserving Australia’s finite resources.
Contact details:
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Claire Maloney | 0431 279 785 | [email protected]