NSW legislation a step in the right direction
11 December 2024 – TThe Association for the Battery Recycling Industry (ABRI) has welcomed recognition from this week’s Environment Ministers Meeting (EMM) that urgent action is needed to reform the product stewardship of batteries.
Chief Executive Officer, Katherine Hole, said ABRI was pleased to note that NSW Environment Minister, the Hon Penny Sharpe, MLC, is committed to introducing mandatory stewardship legislation in the coming year.
‘We are looking forward to continuing to work with NSW to inform policy positions for the legislation and its successful implementation,” she said.
“At the same time, ABRI will continue to work collaboratively with all jurisdictions to move towards consistent framework for all states and territories.”
Prior to the meeting, the battery industry had called on the ministers to adopt a mandatory producer responsibility scheme to manage the lifecycle of consumer batteries.
“Not only would such a mandate make it easier for consumers to correctly dispose of old batteries, it would also stop toxic waste polluting the environment and reduce the risk of battery fires at waste management facilities,” Ms Hole said.
“Stopping fires in waste sector, while stepping up the battery recycling industry, is critical to safe and sustainable battery circular economy.”
ABRI had called on the mandate to be implemented nationally within the next 12 months, but acknowledges that for new legislation to be successful, it needs to be well considered and include a range of transition measures.
“Any mandatory producer responsibility should include flexibility to accommodate the wide variety of batteries and products with embedded batteries,” Ms Hole said.
“There also needs to be robust compliance and enforcement measures, such as harsh penalties, as well as clearly defined performance standards. This will help ensure confidence among participants that materials are recovered safely and sustainably.”
By working with NSW on its state-led reforms, ABRI hopes to help inform legislation that could be a ‘cookie-cutter’ template for other states and territories.
“Minister Sharpe’s commitment is a step in the right direction for the battery recycling industry and we remain hopeful the rest of the country will follow suit,” Ms Hole said.
Read the full Environment Ministers’ communique.
ABRI represents more than 60 members from across the battery value chain who provide recycling services all battery chemistries and applications, including e-waste recyclers. For more information, go to the ABRI website.