Tasman Council issues battery disposal warning after recovery centre fire
Wednesday 23 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Tasman District Council
Tasman District Council has reminded residents to use designated bins for lithium batteries following a fire at the Richmond Resource Recovery Centre. The blaze caused debris to fly, prompting the council to warn that these batteries can ignite if crushed or punctured.
Key facts
5 facts
- A fire occurred at the Richmond Resource Recovery Centre involving lithium batteries
- The fire was caused by a large quantity of batteries dropped off by a customer
- No injuries were sustained during the incident
- The incident was captured on CCTV last month
- Lithium batteries must be placed in designated disposal bins
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Tasman District Council has issued a warning regarding the disposal of lithium batteries following a fire at the Richmond Resource Recovery Centre. The blaze occurred after a customer dropped off a large quantity of batteries at the site. While a staff member was assisting the customer with the collection bin, one of the batteries ignited.
The fire caused several battery components to be thrown into the air, forcing customers to move their vehicles away and duck for cover. No injuries were reported during the incident, which was brought under control shortly after it began. CCTV footage from the incident was recorded last month.
Lithium-based batteries, such as those found in vapes and laptops, can ignite if they are punctured or crushed. The council stated, “This incident has highlighted key safety concerns and why we can no longer receive batteries at our service centres”. The council is currently reviewing the circumstances to improve fire risk management and battery handling procedures.
Where reports differ
- One report mentions battery fragments catapulting into the air, while another specifies that battery components were thrown, forcing customers to move vehicles.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and The Press.