Lower Austria campaign aims to prevent battery fires in waste plants

A weeklong campaign by Lower Austria’s environmental associations aims to prevent fires at waste facilities by encouraging people to dispose of old batteries and devices properly, ORF reports.

Lithium batteries used in headphones, smartphones and toys can catch fire if they are damaged during transport or processing with other waste. Damage can cause a short circuit and heat build-up, potentially leading to a fire, the associations said.

“Batteries in residual waste pose a serious safety risk for waste management,” said Christian Macho, president of the Lower Austrian environmental associations. A 2025 analysis found that about 233 tonnes of old electrical equipment, batteries and rechargeable batteries are wrongly put in residual waste in Lower Austria each year.

From October 12 to 17, the associations are urging residents to take old devices and batteries to collection points or return them through retailers. The campaign is intended to reduce the risk of fires at waste facilities and recover valuable raw materials, said Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf. Collection points will also offer prizes as an incentive to take part.