The NSW government has introduced legislation targeting suppliers’ handling and disposal of lithium-ion batteries and other products that pose safety and the environmental threats.  

The Product Lifecycle Responsibility Act would provide a framework for suppliers to adhere to mandatory stewardship schemes and requirements on the design, manufacture, reuse and recycling, and safe disposal of selected products.

The state says the first product regulated would be batteries, amid a growing fire risk.  

Among the proposed reforms is a requirement for battery suppliers to register products through dedicated collection points.

The government says it will also look to run public education campaigns on risk and disposal options.  

According to waste and recycling industry estimates, 10,000-12,000 fires in trucks and at waste facilities are caused each year by improper design, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries.  

Fire and Rescue NSW responded to a record 384 lithium battery incidents last year, which involved several deaths and at least 33 injuries.  

State Environment Minister Penny Sharpe says the reforms will give government the strongest powers in the country to “ensure suppliers take accountability for the products that they sell”.  

“Batteries power our modern life, and we will need them more as we decarbonise our economy,” she said.

“But without adequate safety and care we will see further deaths, injuries and property damage. Our product stewardship obligations will be a critical step in protecting firefighters, waste and resource recovery workers, and the broader community from dangerous and preventable battery fires.”   

The proposed legislation follows an Australian-first safety standard on e-mobility products introduced last month.