Australia’s government regulator has opened public consultation on proposed enhancements to the B-cycle battery recycling scheme to strengthen battery stewardship in Australia.
The Battery Stewardship Council (BSC) is seeking to extend B-cycle’s authorisation for another five years with updates that will improve financial sustainability, safety, and environmental protection.
Key proposed changes include an annual levy and rebate review mechanism to ensure fairness and transparency, as well as increased investment in battery collection, processing, and public education.
The B-cycle scheme was first authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in 2020 and launched in 2022. It is operated by BSC, a not- for-profit organisation established to manage battery stewardship across the full lifecycle of batteries.
The proposed changes aim to strengthen B-cycle’s capacity to deliver stewardship outcomes including funding for battery collection, sorting, processing, and strategic investments in safety, environmental protection, and public education.
Libby Chaplin, Chief Executive Officer of B-cycle said this is a key moment for battery stewardship in Australia.
“We strongly encourage all industry participants, governments, and community stakeholders to provide feedback,” said Chaplin.
“These proposed enhancements are about improving safety, equity, and long-term sustainability for battery recycling nationwide.
“The ACCC authorisation provides the legal framework for the B-cycle scheme which has been designed in consultation with our partners to align with the proposed New South Wales Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill as it emerges.”
Submissions close Wednesday 16 April 2025.
For more information, visit: https://portal.accc.gov.au
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