New South Wales is the first state in Australia to move on regulating the handling and disposal of dangerous batteries, with groundbreaking draft regulations now open for community and industry feedback.
Proposed by Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe, the regulations aim to make battery brand owners – those who supply batteries for sale in NSW – responsible for the full lifecycle of their products, from manufacture, to end-of-life.
The initiative is part of a broader shift toward product stewardship and circular economy principles, addressing growing concerns over lithium-ion battery fires and toxic waste.
“This regulation is crucial to reduce the risks batteries can pose when damaged, mishandled or improperly disposed of,” Sharpe said.
Addressing a growing safety and environmental risk
Battery-related fires have surged in recent years, driven by the increasing use of lithium-ion technology in e-bikes, e-scooters, and other rechargeable devices. These fires are intense, fast-burning, and difficult to extinguish, posing major safety and environmental challenges for waste operators and emergency services alike.
“We have seen a rise in battery fires over recent years,” Sharpe said.
“By acting now to make product stewardship mandatory for certain batteries, we can keep potentially dangerous products out of the general waste system – protecting people, the environment and the waste and resource recovery sector from further harm.”
What the draft regulations cover
With the full backing of Sharpe, the proposed regulations by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority have been developed under the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Act 2025.
The Act established a legal framework requiring manufacturers and suppliers to manage the environmental impacts of their products throughout their life cycle. Under the new Act, batteries are the first product category to be addressed, setting a precedent for future regulation of other electronic and hazardous materials.
Under the draft regulation released by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), several key measures have been proposed:
- Mandatory participation of all battery brand owners in an approved product-stewardship scheme.
- Significant penalties for non-compliance, with fines of up to $880,000 for breaches.
- Reporting requirements on the number of batteries supplied annually in NSW.
- Inclusion of small batteries (under five kilograms) – including those embedded in e-mobility devices and household electronics.
- Mandatory safe-disposal and recycling channels, with batteries to be collected via dedicated drop-off points rather than general waste.
- Public education initiatives on battery risks and correct disposal methods.
If implemented, these rules would make NSW the national frontrunner in creating a safe, circular battery economy, keeping hazardous waste out of landfill and reinforcing the state’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Have your say
The proposed regulations are now open for public consultation until 14 November 2025, with the NSW EPA seeking feedback from community members, businesses and industry stakeholders.
Submissions can be made through the NSW EPA’s consultation portal.