NSW introduces mandatory regulations for battery manufacturers

The New South Wales Government has passed legislation introducing mandatory battery regulations, including greater responsibility for manufacturers and suppliers in reducing the risk of fires and improving environmental outcomes.

Responding to the rise in battery-related fires, the new laws implement a mandatory regulation for batteries, requiring brand owners to take responsibility for their products. They aim to reduce the growing risk of fires by ensuring batteries are safely collected, processed and recycled when they reach end of life.

In 2025, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) recorded 332 lithium-ion battery-related incidents. So far in 2026, there have been 62 battery fires in the community and at least 12 in garbage trucks, waste facilities and rubbish tips, with a further 103 waste industry fires suspected to involve batteries. These fires are often sparked by lithium-ion batteries that were crushed, damaged, mishandled or incorrectly discarded in household waste.

The regulation applies to small and removable batteries under five kilograms, including AA, AAA, power banks and batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters.

Finalising the changes enables the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to establish a mandatory product stewardship scheme, requiring battery brand owners to fund safe collection and disposal.

Key measures under the reforms will include:

• dedicated battery drop-off points for the community
• public education to improve awareness of battery fire risks
• annual reporting on the number and types of batteries supplied in NSW
• improved transparency about types of batteries collected and the scheme’s performance.
   

The regulation is expected to commence on 1 October 2026, giving industry certainty while allowing the EPA to urgently address this serious problem. Battery suppliers who fail to comply could face penalties of up to $880,000.

To help prevent fires, the EPA’s ‘Never Bin a Battery’ campaign encourages households to use free drop-off points instead of putting old or damaged batteries in household rubbish.

“All too often, products are designed with no consideration for what happens when they reach the end of their life, and batteries are a clear example of the consequences,” said Acting Premier Prue Carr. “Our government has introduced sensible laws to drive behavioural change and ensure battery technology is used responsibly throughout its lifespan.”

“We want to see battery suppliers take greater responsibility for the safe collection and recycling of their products,” said Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe. “We’re giving industry time to be able to implement these changes, which is why the public awareness campaign is so important.”

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