Acting Minister for Environment Gayle Tierney has announced $1.7 million in funding through the Circular Economy Hazardous Waste Fund – Round 4 to improve access to battery collection sites.
Funding is available to local councils and registered charities to establish convenient battery drop off locations, supporting battery recovery rates and keeping batteries out of household bins.
E-waste, one of the fastest growing waste streams in Australia, includes embedded batteries in vapes, e-scooters, shavers and toys, and poses an environmental and health and safety risk when not disposed of correctly.
Waste collectors and fire rescue organisations, including Fire Rescue Victoria, have reported an increase in waste truck fires related to batteries being put in kerbside bins.
Local councils and charities are invited to apply for grants of up to $22,000 to support the purchase, installation and promotion of battery drop off units.
The funded facilities will accept a wide range of battery types including loose household batteries, batteries from e-cigarettes, embedded batteries in small devices such as electric toothbrushes, and larger batteries weighing up to 60 kg.
For further information and to apply please visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/ceif-hazardous-waste-round-4
