The New South Wales Government says new legislation introducing mandatory battery regulations, including greater responsibility for manufacturers and suppliers, aims to reduce the risk of fires and improve environmental outcomes across the state.
According to the NSW Government, the laws – recently passed by Parliament – make New South Wales the first jurisdiction in Australia to implement a mandatory framework requiring battery brand owners to take responsibility for the safe collection, processing and recycling of their products at end of life.
The reforms come in response to a rise in lithium-ion battery incidents, with Fire and Rescue NSW recording 332 related cases in 2025 and dozens more already reported in 2026.
The regulation will apply to small and removable batteries under five kilograms, including common household types such as AA and AAA batteries, power banks, and those used in e-bikes and e-scooters.
It enables the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to establish a mandatory product stewardship scheme, requiring suppliers to fund collection and disposal systems.
Acting Premier Prue Car said the reforms address gaps in how products are designed and managed after use.
“All too often, products are designed with no consideration for what happens when they reach the end of their life, and batteries are a clear example of the consequences,” she said. “The Minns Labor Government has moved to ensure manufacturers and retailers take some responsibility for where these products end up.”
The EPA will also expand its “Never Bin a Battery” campaign, encouraging households to use designated drop-off points instead of disposing of batteries in general waste.
The campaign will be delivered in partnership with Fire and Rescue NSW at major public events, including the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and through branding on fire trucks in high-risk areas.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the measures are intended to prevent avoidable incidents while supporting broader system changes.
“Too many of the battery related fires we’re seeing are preventable. These reforms are about stopping them before they start,” she said. “We want to see battery suppliers take greater responsibility for the safe collection and recycling of their products.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said lithium-ion battery fires present heightened risks. “Battery fires can burn hotter, spread quickly and put firefighters, waste workers and the public in danger,” he said, urging proper disposal practices.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said damaged batteries can ignite under pressure or heat, producing flammable gases.
“Fires caused by faulty or damaged lithium-ion batteries burn much more fiercely than regular fires,” he said. “Help us reduce the danger by disposing of your batteries responsibly.”
Under the scheme, suppliers that fail to comply may face penalties of up to $880,000. The regulation is expected to commence on 1 October 2026, with the government stating the lead time is intended to provide industry with certainty while allowing implementation of collection and reporting systems.
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said the changes respond to increasing incidents in waste facilities. “These new laws mean battery suppliers will help fund the safe collection and recycling system NSW needs, while our campaign makes sure people know how to do the right thing,” she said.
