Two recent battery fires at waste depots have prompted the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority (FRWA) to issue an alert on disposal of batteries in kerbside bins.

Kangaroo Island Resource Recovery Centre shed suffered extensive damage from a major fire started by a lithium battery on December 22.

On the same day Strathalbyn Waste and Recycling Depot had a close call when staff identified a hidden gas bottle still filled with gas and removed it from the general rubbish. 

Ten minutes later a small battery fire started in the same vicinity, which was fortunately able to be extinguished completely.

FRWA has reminded residents to dispose of batteries for free at their local depot and keep staff and the community safe.

Damaged and used batteries can start fires; leach chemicals into the ground; and are a missed opportunity for recycling valuable resources.

FRWA says battery fires in rubbish trucks and waste depots are becoming a major issue across Australia and are pleading with people to do the right thing:

•  No batteries in kerbside bins.
•  Don’t hide batteries (or gas bottles) in depot waste.
•  Separate and store batteries (put tape over terminals).

There are special battery recycling bins at waste depots and staff can direct people to their location.

Many supermarkets and hardware stores also offer battery recycling collection points

For more information on safe storage of used batteries and alternative collection locations visit the website. For details of FRWA collection locations visithe website.