The Lismore Community Recycling Centre is taking part in a new NSW Government trial to help households dispose of problematic embedded batteries found in wireless household products, light up toys and disposable vapes.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is joining forces with Lismore City Council to make it easy for households and small businesses to safely dispose of embedded batteries. This will reduce both the number of products going to landfill, and the risk of batteries sparking fires in bins and waste facilities.

As part of the trial, the Lismore Community Recycling Centre – operated by Lismore Council– is now accepting household embedded battery products free of charge.

Embedded batteries are small batteries which are built into products and cannot be removed. They are often found in household items such as single-use vapes, electric toothbrushes, e-bikes, smart watches, portable speakers and vacuums,

These batteries are uniquely challenging for the waste management sector because they are made of materials – including lithium-ion – that are difficult to recycle and a significant fire hazard risk. 

In 2023, the number of lithium-ion battery-related fires in NSW jumped to 285, more than double the previous year.

The Lismore Community Recycling Centre on Wyrallah Road is one of 21 centres across the state participating in the EPA-led trial, with dedicated waste bins now on site to collect embedded battery products.

E-waste that may contain embedded batteries, including laptops, gaming controllers and tablets, should still be directed to Lismore Council’s e-waste collection service. 

More information about the NSW Government’s embedded batteries trial, which is active now and will run until September 2026, can be found on the NSW EPA website here: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/embedded-batteries

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP said, “This trial is a much-needed initiative that will help protect our local community and environment by reducing the number of embedded-battery products that are mistakenly disposed of in yellow and red kerbside bins.

“Through it, we hope Lismore residents will learn more about embedded-battery products – including how to identify them, the types of risks they pose and why correct disposal is so important.

“The NSW Government is pleased to be working alongside Lismore Council to tackle this emerging issue and contribute to a safer, more sustainable future for all."

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said, “We want to make it easier for people to do the right thing with embedded batteries, to help prevent fires in bins, rubbish trucks and waste facilities at the same time as reducing what goes to landfill.

“The majority of embedded battery products, including single-use disposable vapes, end up in rubbish bins where they pose risks to workers and communities. But it’s important everyone knows batteries, whether loose or embedded in devices, don’t belong in yellow and red kerbside bins.

“This trial of dedicated embedded battery bins will help NSW mitigate fire hazards and recycle more device components to benefit our health and environment in the short and long term.”