Battery Fires in the Waste Industry – Day Conference
Lithium-ion batteries are now one of the most significant fire risks across Australia’s waste and recycling system, and as a waste transport provider, IKON is seeing the impact firsthand.
Yesterday, IKON Services joined industry leaders, regulators, emergency services, and government representatives at the Battery Fires in the Waste Industry forum at the RACV Club in Melbourne.
Battery-related fires are no longer isolated incidents. They are affecting collection vehicles, transfer stations, MRFs, and landfills across the value chain, posing immediate risks to driver safety, fleet assets, operations, and the wider community.
The forum focused on practical, coordinated action.
We:
- Heard from sector and technical experts
- Examined ignition risks across the waste value chain
- Identified key risks, control gaps, and system improvements
- Worked through achievable actions within the next 12 months
- Explored cross-sector collaboration opportunities
For IKON, the discussion reinforced the importance of proactive risk management, protecting frontline workers, and strengthening industry collaboration.
Battery-related fires are a shared challenge. Addressing them will require shared responsibility, from product stewardship and consumer behaviour through to transport, processing and disposal.
We’re proud to be part of the conversation and committed to improving safety outcomes across the sector.
