The NSW Government has introduced a bill to strengthen battery recycling laws, responding to increasing fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in waste streams.
The Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill, introduced by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, aims to make battery producers and importers accountable for the full life cycle of their products. If passed, it will establish stricter regulations on battery disposal and recycling.
The Battery Stewardship Council (BSC), which manages B-cycle, Australia’s national battery recycling scheme, has welcomed the move and urged bipartisan support.
Libby Chaplin, CEO of B-cycle, said this is a pivotal moment for battery recycling in Australia.
“We’ve been calling for stronger regulation for some time now to eliminate free riders and ensure safe and sustainable battery disposal. This bill delivers the action we need, and it’s essential it passes.”
The bill follows rising concerns from fire authorities and local councils about lithium-ion battery-related fires. Fire and Rescue NSW reports that these batteries are the fastest-growing fire hazard in the state, with more than 300 incidents recorded in the past year.
BSC has long advocated for a shift from voluntary to mandatory product stewardship, arguing that without enforceable regulation, many companies evade responsibility.
“This bill sets a new national benchmark. It’s a direct response to the waste and recycling fires we’ve seen across the country, and it finally holds industry accountable for ensuring safe and responsible battery disposal.”
While NSW has taken the lead, BSC is calling for a nationwide approach.
“This reform can’t stop at the NSW border. We need a nationally consistent approach to product stewardship, so businesses, recyclers, and consumers are not dealing with a fragmented system. BSC is ready to support this transition, ensuring the best outcomes for industry and the environment,” said Chaplin.
The bill is set for debate in Parliament, with advocates pushing for swift action to improve public safety and environmental protections.
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