Councils and waste industry experts are calling for increased regulations for the disposal of used batteries following an escalation in fires.

WasteMINZ, the Waste & Recycling Industry Forum, Auckland Council and Christchurch City Council have come together to request direct action to prevent batteries from being thrown out or included in kerbside recycling. 

WasteMINZ chief executive Nic Quilty says the organisation's website has a map of safe locations where people can dispose of their batteries and battery-powered products.

"Most of the facilities are free of charge, some of them cost a little bit of money - but not much - and that's the best thing to do."

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