LCQ22: Handling of retired electric vehicle batteries

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hak-kan and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, in the Legislative Council today (June 3):

Question:      The Fire Services Department (FSD) regularly conducts risk-based inspections on recycling sites (including retired EV battery recycling sites), and formulates contingency plans based on the findings of risk assessments, such as the distance of the sites from vehicular access roads and water supply. Moreover, the FSD will take enforcement actions if contraventions of the Fire Services Ordinance or the Dangerous Goods Ordinance are identified during inspections. If other irregularities are found, they will be referred to relevant departments for follow up actions.
      
     In addition, in light of the incidents in recent years where lithium batteries (including electronic products) spontaneously combusted at some recycling sites during the high summer temperatures, the EPD began conducting regular visits to recycling yards across Hong Kong since mid-2025 to distribute publicity leaflets on the proper storage and fire prevention for lithium batteries. This aims to enhance the fire safety awareness of relevant practitioners regarding lithium batteries and other dangerous goods, thereby reducing the risk of fires caused by the spontaneous combustion of lithium batteries in high temperatures. The EPD will continue to closely monitor the relevant fire risks, and strengthen inspections, as well as publicity and education for the relevant trades.

(5) The EPD plans to require suppliers who distribute EV batteries in Hong Kong to register with the EPD before distribution, and to submit information regarding the batteries, such as battery identification numbers, weight and quantities distributed, to the EPD on a regular basis. In addition, the EPD is currently consulting the trade on the PRS on EV batteries (EVBPRS), including how to improve the traceability mechanism for EV batteries to enhance the effectiveness of battery lifecycle management. The EPD will consult the Panel on Environmental Affairs of the Legislative Council on the EVBPRS within 2026 based on actual situation.