The Local Government Battery Collection Program is a $2 million grant funding program designed to support Queensland councils to expand the existing collection networks for problem batteries within their communities.

The program assists councils to reduce the instances of battery fires by expanding the battery collection network available within their communities and providing for safer and more convenient disposal of problem batteries that currently have limited options for disposal.

For the purpose of the Program, problem batteries include disposable and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, including those that are embedded in items such as vapes, e-scooters, laptops, phones, power tools, children's toys, electric toothbrushes and cordless vacuums, and that currently have limited disposal options through existing stewardship schemes.

The objectives of the Program are to:

• support Queensland councils to expand the number of collection points to allow for safer and more convenient disposal of problem batteries
• reduce human safety and environmental risks from fires caused by battery combustion in council waste collection trucks and waste facilities
• assist councils to deliver safe and convenient collection, separation and/or storage locations for problem batteries in their region.

To be eligible for funding, an applicant must be one of:

• an individual council constituted under the Local Government Act 2009 or City of Brisbane Act 2010
• a regional group of councils which is a legal entity (i.e. a Regional Organisation of Councils (ROC)).

If a group of councils wish to apply for funding which will benefit multiple local government areas in a region, however the group of councils is not a legal entity, then:

• all councils must be identified in the application for funding
• a single council must be nominated as the lead contact, who will be the contracting party and will be responsible for contract management and delivery.

• Email: CEPrograms@des.qld.gov.au