Australia has introduced some of its toughest battery safety measures to date after a sharp rise in lithium-ion battery fires prompted authorities to overhaul regulations governing battery recycling, disposal, and product stewardship. The move reflects growing concern among fire services and government agencies about the rising number of battery-related fires in homes, waste facilities, recycling centers, and commercial properties.
The New South Wales (NSW) Government recently announced mandatory battery product stewardship reforms aimed at reducing the number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries. Under the new framework, battery manufacturers and importers will be required to fund the safe collection, recycling, and disposal of batteries sold within the state. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to AUD 880,000, making the legislation one of Australia’s strictest battery safety initiatives.
Government figures reveal the scale of the problem. NSW recorded 332 lithium-ion battery fire incidents in 2025, while authorities have already responded to more than 60 battery-related fires during the first half of 2026. Many of these incidents involved rechargeable batteries discarded in household waste, damaged battery packs, or improperly recycled lithium-ion cells.
Fire officials warn that lithium-ion batteries can ignite with little warning if they are damaged, exposed to excessive heat, or improperly charged or disposed of. Unlike conventional fires, lith