20 March 2025
1. Major milestones reached in progressing battery producer responsibility
The last few days have delivered major milestones in the battery stewardship regulatory space.
The NSW Government is working to implement its mandatory battery product stewardship commitment through the introduction of legislation to the NSW Parliament, the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025. If it passes Parliament, the next step is drafting regulations to make product stewardship mandatory for problematic products including those under existing Commonwealth accreditation schemes. Based on the Minister’s comments in the second reading speech about battery fires in waste facilities, it is likely to focus on those causing fires in waste facilities e.g. small consumer batteries and micro mobility.
In parallel, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced public consultation on the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC)’s B-cycle reauthorisation proposal for a voluntary B-cycle 2.0 under the Commonwealth’s product stewardship framework. The BSC’s proposal now also includes a request from BSC for an interim authorisation to commence B-cycle 2.0 on or before 1 April.
It's confusing with two overlapping processes with similar objectives, delivering a battery circular economy, but different processes and mechanisms for achieving their objective. In short, ABRI members should:
If the Bill passes the NSW Parliament, consider how you’d like to participate in step two – drafting of regulations - and what outcomes you’d like from this process. The Minister has committed to working collaboratively with industry and local government when finalising the recommendations for products for inclusion.
Review the BSC application and supporting information on the ACCC website and respond to the ACCC invitation for comment by providing your views on the overall application as well as the request for interim authorisation. Submissions regarding the request for interim authorisation are requested by 2 April 2025. The ACCC will make a decision on whether to grant the interim authorisation in April. Submissions on the substantive application are requested by 16 April 2025. The ACCC Guidelines for Authorisation of Conduct (non-merger) provide detailed information on these processes. Chapter 10 covers interim authorisations, what conduct the ACCC can approve and how this interacts with a final decision.
ABRI will provide further updates as work on both these projects progresses including how they may interact.
Any questions, please email ABRI’s CEO, Katharine Hole.
2. Welcome to new ABRI corporate members
ABRI welcomes the following new members:
Enecell is a newly established lead acid breaker in Perth servicing the Western Australian market. Recycling services will commence in 2025. Enecell is a subsidiary of the Owens Group, a Western Australian recycling business. The Owens Group WA is a family owned business with almost two decades of experience servicing the WA market to service the ferrous and non ferrous recycling sector
Manhari Recycling is based in Victoria and has been recycling scrap metal, including lead acid batteries, since 2007. Regional Victoria is a key priority. Manhari's acquisition of Revert Group, a business involved in repurposing construction and demolition waste, has increased capabilities. Manhari has established a circular economy hub in Regional Victoria to now bring its expertise to the setting up tyres, solar panels and lithium batteries recycling.
Weston Group provides circular economy products and services to the aluminium, steel, pharmaceutical and medical industries. The Weston Plant is in regional NSW at Kurri Kurri. Weston Aluminium has begun to process vapes and is securing regulatory approval to recycle lithium batteries.
3. Presentation - 21 March (12pm AEST) - Insights from China - HV traction battery tracking, coding and real-time monitoring
Join ABRI members and key stakeholders for an exclusive presentation by Johannes Lehmann as he shares insights into how tracking, coding and real-time monitoring are leveraged in Mainland China to support battery recycling and circular economy initiatives.
Johannes a former project lead in HV-Traction battery coding, tracking, and real-time monitoring (RTM) has over a decade of experience in China’s rapidly evolving technology, EV, and mobility sector. This experience includes leadership roles in battery compliance, tracking systems, and regulatory navigation. Johannes will provide a deep dive into the policy landscape, technical frameworks and real-world applications driving sustainable battery management. Having worked on battery coding and real-time monitoring strategies for high-voltage systems, he brings valuable expertise on how data-driven approaches are shaping the next generation of EV battery lifecycle management.
This presentation will provide first-hand insights into the intersection of technology, policy, and sustainability from a professional who has worked at the forefront of innovation, product management, and regulatory strategy in one of the world’s most advanced EV markets.
4. ABRI 2025 AGM – 27 March - Notice of Meeting & Call for Executive Committee Nominations
The ABRI 2025 AGM will be held online on Thursday 27 March commencing at 1pm (AEST). The AGM is an opportunity to hear from the President, Treasurer and CEO on ABRI 2024 activities and 2025 priorities to support members and industry development.
The AGM will also vote on positions on the ABRI Executive Committee. Interested members are invited to nominate by submitting the Executive Committee nomination form by 10 March 2025.
Register here
Agenda, proxy form and voting rules
Please note: ONLY PAID UP CORPORATE MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE
5. ABRI DG Working Group - used lithium battery packaging & transport guidelines
The Group is close to finalising a first draft of guidelines for used lithium battery packaging and transport. At this stage, the guidelines cover all used lithium batteries and are for commercial collectors and aggregators of used lithium batteries to assist them undertake safe packing and transporting practices when sending lithium batteries to recyclers. It is not for residential customers.
The discussions have identified a preliminary list of emerging policy and practical issues which following further review at next week’s WG meeting, ABRI may seek clarification from the National Transport Commission on how to address these. The emerging policy and practical issues are:
A clear set of arrangements for transporting mixed batteries which provides safe and pragmatic guidance recognising on ground realities
Clarity re transport of EV batteries for reuse and remanufacturing
Clarity on some detailed technical issues
The ABRI DG Working Group consists of members with a broad range of experience in DG storage, handling and transport across used lead acid and lithium batteries. Member companies represented on the group are: Battery Rescue, Batteryhold, Battery Stewardship Council, Cleanaway, Ecocycle, Infinitev, Lex Enviro Services, Livium/Envirostream, Lex Enviro Services, Lote Consulting, Ramcar/Supercharge Batteries, Sell & Parker and Vaulta.
If you’d like to join the discussion please email ABRI CEO, Katharine Hole. The next meeting is 2pm (AEST) Wednesday 26 March.
6. ABRI Member Events
21 March 2025 - Online, 12pm (AEST) - Presentation: Insights from China - HV traction battery tracking, coding and real-time monitoring Register
26 March 2025 - Online 2pm (AEST) - ABRI DG Working Group
27 March 2025 - Online - ABRI 2025 AGM
TBC April 2025 - In person - Brisbane - Networking event sponsored by Johnson Winter Slattery
17 July 2025 - 2025 Australian Battery Recycling & Manufacturing Summit Early bird tickets end 28 February
7. Building the Industry’s Voice - out and about with ABRI
27 Feb - ABRI submission to the Commonwealth review of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2000
3 Apr - NSW EPA Waste Classification Workshop
9-10 Apr - ABRI CEO, Katharine Hole, presenting to Smart Energy Council Conference and Expo in Sydney
25 Feb - NSW EPA Resource Recovery Framework forum on policy development and priorities