Another day, another dangerous fire on board a waste collection vehicle — this time in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD. While the public sees the flashing lights, those working across Australia’s waste and resource recovery (WARR) industry know this story far too well.

Lithium-ion battery fires are escalating, putting workers, trucks, and essential infrastructure at risk. And unlike the aviation industry, which bans certain batteries from planes due to fire risk, the people on the ground who manage society’s discarded materials have nowhere to hide and no national protection.

“This cannot keep happening,” said Gayle Sloan, CEO of the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR).

“The fire risk posed by batteries is clear – it is growing, and it is putting lives at risk. We urgently need coordinated action.”

WMRR is calling for South Australia — and every other state and territory — to immediately adopt a mandatory battery product stewardship scheme, following the leadership shown by NSW in its Product Lifecycle Responsibility Act 2025.

WMRR CEO Gayle Sloan said the latest Adelaide CBD fire underscores the seriousness of the threat: “Our industry is on the frontline of battery fires every single day. These fires are not freak accidents — they are the predictable consequence of unmanaged products and weak regulation. NSW has stepped up. Now the rest of Australia must follow.”

NSW’s proposed regulations will compel suppliers to take responsibility for the responsible end-of-life management of these problematic items. Moving from the existing voluntary schemes to mandated regulation will close dangerous gaps, reduce free-riding, and significantly lower fire risks in waste facilities and collection vehicles.

WMRR is calling for a nationwide, mandatory product stewardship scheme that covers all battery types, including embedded batteries in electronics, tools, toys, and mobility devices. The scheme must include funded take-back systems, robust recycling pathways, public education, safe-disposal infrastructure, and strong regulatory oversight to ensure compliance and accountability.

“If airlines can ban the use of power banks in flight because of the known fire risk, why are waste workers expected to accept fire risks in trucks and facilities every day?

Our people deserve better. Our communities deserve better,” Ms Sloan said.

WMRR urges the South Australian Government and all remaining jurisdictions to adopt strong, mandatory stewardship to protect workers, communities, and critical infrastructure from preventable battery fires.

Gayle Sloan said governments must act without delay.

“Our staff, our trucks, and our facilities deserve the same protections as any industry handling hazardous materials. Battery fires are preventable — but only if governments act. We don’t need more inquiries or pilot schemes. We need decisive reform. Not tomorrow. Not next year. Now.”

About WMRR

The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) is the national peak body representing Australia’s $21 billion waste and resource recovery (WARR) industry. With more than 2,340 members from over 400 entities nationwide, we represent the breadth and depth of the industry, including representation from business organisations, the three (3) tiers of government, universities, and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), including research bodies.

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