Local Government Battery Collection Program

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 purpose of the Program is to encourage Queensland councils to expand their collection points for problem batteries, thereby reducing environmental and human safety risks associated with battery fires.

The Program is an action to support the three-point plan to tackle battery safety risks announced by the Queensland Government in February 2025.

For the purpose of the Program, problem batteries include disposable and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, particularly those that are embedded in devices and are not easy for the average member of the public to separate from the device (think vapes, laptops, electric toothbrushes, children’s toys, tools), or batteries that currently have limited collection options through existing stewardship schemes.

The Program is administered by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (the department).

The Program is open to individual Queensland councils and groups of councils that are a legal entity, e.g. a Regional Organisation of Councils (ROC).

Councils may partner with other councils and/or non-council organisations, but a single council or a ROC must be the applicant.

Given the limitations in the available funding, the department is encouraging applicants to deliver projects that support broader regional benefit.

The scope of eligible projects under the Program is broad to allow applicants to develop proposals that best suit their individual needs and circumstances.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the establishment of new permanent, temporary, or mobile collection points for problem batteries; and may include conducting trials of innovative collection systems or methods, including those that gather data to guide future decisions of councils regarding battery collection and management.

To be eligible for funding, a project must meet all objectives of the Program (see section 3 of the Program guidelines) and must be able to be completed within 12 months of contract execution.

The Program guidelines do not limit the batteries that can be collected – this is a decision for councils to make, however to be eligible for funding, project activities must include the ability to introduce or expand the collection of problem batteries.

Applicant and partner councils must be able to demonstrate:

• council approval for the project
• approval for financial and in-kind contributions to the project
• capacity to deliver the project
• capacity to complete reporting and financial requirements.

Successful applicants will be responsible for obtaining all permits or approvals for building, safety and environmental authorities required to complete the project; and will hold specified levels of public liability and workplace health and safety insurance.

Yes. As long as all activities fit within the eligibility criteria established by the Program guidelines.

For example, a council may wish to establish permanent collection points at specific locations, and may also wish to trial a different collection method, e.g. a pop-up or mobile collection.

Please ensure that your application clearly details all project elements and costs.

The Program has a total funding pool of $2 million.

Grants of up to $100,000 (excluding GST) are available for approved projects.

The grant can cover expenses related to establishing new problem battery collection points or new methods of battery collection. This includes costs for infrastructure like fireproof storage bins and safety signage, safety preparedness measures including staff training and necessary equipment, and the trialling of innovative collection strategies.

Some cost items will be considered where these are directly related to the project and essential to the success of the project. These include contractor fees; the production and dissemination of community awareness materials; and transport or disposal costs directly related to problem batteries collected through project activities.

The Program guidelines do not set a required level of applicant contribution to the project; however council applicant contributions may be considered in assessing project value for money.

Partner organisations that are not a council are expected to make a financial and/or in-kind contribution to the project. This will also be considered in assessing project value for money.

It is important to note that costs that are not eligible for funding under the Program will need to be covered by grant recipients.

Currently, a single round of funding is being offered.

Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants online portal. It is free to register to use SmartyGrants. Please try and use a shared email address to allow multiple staff to access the grant application.

Applicants need to submit a completed application form, address all eligibility and assessment criteria, include all necessary attachments, and demonstrate all required insurances as detailed in the Program guidelines.

Applications must be submitted by 4 pm on 10 July 2025 . Please note that this is a strict deadline, and no extensions will be provided.

Each council or ROC may only participate in one application either as a lead applicant or as a partner.

Applications must be submitted by 4 pm on 10 July 2025 . Please note that this is a strict deadline, and no extensions will be provided.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please contact the SmartyGrants help desk on (03) 9320 6888.

Applications will be assessed by an assessment panel established by the department. This may include representatives from outside the department. The grant program is competitive and as such projects will be scored and graded. The Chief Executive will make the final decision on the funding of proposals.

The assessment criteria relate to alignment with Program objectives (35%); project management and governance (25%); value for money (25%); and the ability of the project to provide benefits across multiple councils (15%).

An applicant’s previous performance in relation to the management of grant funding provided by the department may also be taken into consideration.

Following completion of the department’s assessment process, funding recommendations will be made to the department’s Chief Executive who is the financial delegate and will make the final decision on the funding of proposals. Applicants will be advised of the outcome in writing following relevant approvals.

If your application is successful, you will be notified of your success in writing and officers from the department will contact you to develop a funding agreement.

The Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation will announce successful projects. Following this, project details will be listed on the department’s website.

It is important to maintain confidentiality regarding your funding—do not make any media or public announcements about the project until after the Minister has announced the successful applicants.

Funding is subject to the execution of a funding agreement between the grant recipient and the department. The funding agreement will include details such as project milestones, a payment schedule and reporting requirements. On meeting the specific requirements in the funding agreement, payments will be made.

Yes, recipients must adhere to reporting requirements, maintain financial records, and fulfil all project delivery obligations that will be set out in the funding agreement.

Program guidelines provide that projects must be able to be completed within 12 months of contract execution.

All promotional material relating to the project must acknowledge the funding provided by the department. The general requirements for funding acknowledgement can be found on the department’s website, and the funding agreement will include the project specific requirements. Suitable time needs to be factored into the project schedule to allow for the department's consideration and approval where required.

Quarterly progress/milestone reports and a final report and acquittal within 4 weeks after the project's completion are required. These specific dates and information required will be detailed in the funding agreement.

Acquittal involves submitting a detailed final report demonstrating how the funds have been used in alignment with the grant agreement. This will require copies of invoices showing proof of purchase of goods and services for eligible project costs. The department may require an audited financial statement in some circumstances.

The department will work with you to rectify any contract breaches, however if these cannot be resolved, failure to meet the conditions of a funding agreement may lead to cancellation of the agreement, and may require the return of grant funding that has not been expended.

It is recommended that you contact the department promptly if your project changes or if you may be unable to fulfil your obligations.

Yes, however any variations to the project need to be formally requested and approved by the department. Requests for variation will be reviewed against Program guidelines. Once agreed, a deed of variation will be executed to reflect approved changes to the project scope.

You should discuss project delays with the department to understand the options and policies around project extension. Any delays should be raised with the department as soon as you become aware of them.

You will be notified in writing following completion of the assessment process.

Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to seek feedback.

For further information specific to the Program, contact the Circular Economy Programs Team at CEPrograms@des.qld.gov.au.

Detailed instructions and technical support for SmartyGrants can be found in the applicant help guide or by contacting the SmartyGrants help desk on (03) 9320 6888.

The collection of information is used for assessing your application and preparing a grant agreement, should your application be successful. This information will only be provided to specified parties for this purpose where necessary. The department will seek your consent for any uses or disclosures outside of these specific terms. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the privacy of your personal information, please contact the department’s Privacy Services unit by email privacy@des.qld.gov.au.