NSW Environment Minister confirmed for 2025 Australian Battery Summit
31 January 2025 – NSW Environment Minister confirmed for 2025 Australian Battery Summit
The Association for the Battery Recycling Industry (ABRI) welcomes NSW Environment Minister, the Hon Penny Sharpe, MLC, as keynote speaker for the 2025 Australian Battery Recycling and Manufacturing Summit on 17 July in Sydney.
Late last year, NSW became the first Australian state or territory government to commit to mandatory battery stewardship legislation.
“The summit provides an opportunity for all parts of the battery value chain to learn more about the importance of the battery circular economy, and the role they can play,” ABRI CEO Katharine Hole said.
“Attendees will be able to learn more about industry trends and safe recycling, while networking with peers.
“It’s also an opportunity for OEMs to think about how they will meet their responsibilities under the new NSW legislation, which we hope will provide a blueprint for the rest of the country to follow.
“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.”
Whilst the details are still to come, the NSW approach should not only make it easier for consumers to correctly dispose of old batteries, it will also stop toxic waste polluting the environment and reduce the risk of battery fires at waste management facilities.
“Stopping fires in the waste sector, while stepping up the battery recycling industry, is critical to closing the loop on a safe and sustainable battery circular economy.”
Battery management is a global challenge. According to an Aviva media release, one of the United Kingdom’s leading insurance, wealth and retirement businesses, 54% of UK businesses have experienced a safety incident, and one in five have experienced fires.
“Much of this is due to not following proper safety procedures, including safe disposal,” Ms Hole said.
Apart from the clear safety and environmental benefits, a mandate would provide certainty for companies looking to invest in battery recycling, complementing the already over $50 million the clean energy sector has invested in collection and recycling infrastructure.
“While we are still finalising the full range of speakers, having the Minister shows how important our industry is to policy makers.”
Last year’s event was full house, attracting 120 attendees from across Australia and internationally. This included a strong representation from government.
Early bird registrations are now open on the 2025 Australian Battery Recycling and Manufacturing Summit website. A number of 2024 sponsors have recommitted for the 2025 Summit and further information on sponsorship is available at https://www.australianbatterysummit.com.au/
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.