NSW Takes Action to Prevent Lithium Battery Fires

March 25, 2025 TruthUSA

Fire and Rescue NSW have handled 384 lithium-ion battery incidents since 2024, as reported by the NSW government.

The New South Wales (NSW) government has implemented new laws regarding the management and disposal of lithium batteries to mitigate the risk of fires.

Lithium batteries have been causing frequent fires in NSW, resulting in injuries and property damage.

These batteries are crucial components of electric vehicles (EVs), e-scooters, and e-bikes.

Since 2024, Fire and Rescue NSW has responded to 384 lithium-ion battery incidents, which led to 33 injuries and multiple fatalities.

The Product Lifecycle Responsibility Act aims to enhance the safety and environmental handling of lithium-ion batteries through new registration protocols.

According to the government, manufacturers and sellers of products will now be required to comply with regulations concerning design, manufacturing, reuse, recycling, and safe disposal options for their products. NSW will be the first state to enact such legislation.

If passed, the new law may mandate lithium battery suppliers to register their products, enhance design and storage practices, and conduct public education campaigns.

The government highlighted that lithium batteries have caused approximately 10,000 to 12,000 fires yearly in trucks and waste facilities.

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe mentioned that the new law will establish NSW as a national frontrunner in holding companies accountable for the safety of battery-powered products.

“This bill will grant the NSW Government the most robust powers in the nation to ensure that suppliers take responsibility for the products they sell. This is a groundbreaking reform, and I am proud to be part of it,” she stated.

“Batteries drive our modern lifestyle, and their importance will only increase as we transition to a more sustainable economy. However, without proper safety measures and care, we will continue to witness tragic incidents of deaths, injuries, and property destruction.”

She emphasized that holding manufacturers accountable for the safety management of their battery products will safeguard the public and firefighters.

“Our product stewardship responsibilities will be a crucial step in safeguarding firefighters, waste and resource recovery personnel, and the wider community from hazardous and avoidable battery fires.”

On March 20, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib mentioned that lithium-ion batteries are becoming ubiquitous in daily life.

“However, the major concern is the increasing number of fires attributable to their use. Collaboration with the Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading is underway to ensure the adoption of better batteries,” he informed Parliament.

“The core issue here is community safety. The government has introduced revolutionary laws to place the onus on suppliers to play a more active role in battery collection, disposal, recycling, and education. All these elements are vital.”

Lithium Battery Fires

There is a significant disparity between high-quality and low-quality batteries, with Dib highlighting that last year, cheap imported batteries caused a “massive fire” in the Northern Rivers region due to heat and humidity.

“Regulations must be put in place. Over 1,000 individuals had to be evacuated from various properties due to lithium-ion battery fires. Fires in garbage bins, trucks, or waste facilities pose greater challenges due to the gases they release,” he added.

Fire and Rescue NSW has consistently cautioned the public about the dangers of lithium battery fires.

On February 11, a fire sparked by a homemade battery charger prompted eight firefighters and two fire trucks to respond. This incident marked the 14th lithium-ion blaze in nine days, as stated by the fire agency.

“These batteries can ignite explosively, emitting toxic gases and causing intense, rapid-spreading fires,” Superintendent Adam Dewberry warned.

“This is yet another instance of a close call related to lithium-ion batteries.”

Opposition Previously Advocated for Action

NSW Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane had previously called for more significant efforts to enhance lithium-ion battery safety following a fire in her local constituency.

“It feels like Groundhog Day. Another garbage truck fire in the east. Twice in two days. Both are suspected to be caused by lithium-ion batteries,” Sloane mentioned in a 2024 Instagram post.

Sloane indicated that she had engaged with waste industry leaders regarding the issue and expressed her support for state and federal actions.

“I endorse their calls for the state government to fund an educational campaign about safe disposal practices in our bins and battery recycling locations,” she stated.

“For the sake of drivers, public safety, and the environment, action must be taken.”

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