The NSW Environment Protection Agency is rolling out a social media campaign warning of the risks posed by old, unused or dead batteries.
There has been a 20 per cent rise in battery-related fires or explosions in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year, according to Fire and Rescue NSW data.
Power packs and chargers, e-bikes and e-scooters and portable power banks are of particular concern following 114 lithium battery-related fires in the first six months of this year.
Firefighters are responding to an average of more than three battery fires a week from in-home charging issues or incorrect disposal, Trent Curtin from Fire and Rescue NSW says.
The NSW environment minister Penny Sharpe says its vital the community understands normal waste bins are not the place to dispose of batteries.
"Batteries power so much of our lives, but the sight of flames erupting from a garbage truck is a reminder they can be very dangerous," she said.
The state government will enlist the support of councils for proper battery disposal after local government and waste companies experienced a significant rise in truck and rubbish fires.
The Sutherland Shire Council in southern Sydney has experienced seven major incidents in the past three years where trucks have caught fire because of batteries being thrown in bins.
The state's emergency services minister Jihad Dib says it's an emerging issue with the rise in the number of lithium battery fires.
"The batteries are starting to feature more prominently in fire statistics, with lithium power packs and charger fires an increasing concern for fire crews," Jihad Dib said.
The government is urging people to recycle batteries and devices at specialised community recycling centres with some large supermarket retailers also offering recycling options.
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