Queensland Warns Not to Bin Your Batteries After Over 200 Explosions at Waste Facilities

Queensland’s environment department has warned of the dangers of tossing batteries in the trash, as thousands of fires are reported nationally every year.

A photo shows the aftermath of a battery explosion that damaged a home in New South Wales during April. Courtesy of Fire and Rescue New South Wales

The Queensland Government is warning people not to carelessly dispose of batteries after 202 explosions at waste facilities in the past year.

When batteries are compacted or punctured in waste trucks or at recycling facilities, they can start fires, emit toxic gases, and cause acid burns.