Battery recycling industry welcomes NSW proposed battery disposal legislation

The Association for the Battery Recycling Industry (ABRI) has welcomed the New South Wales Government’s delivery of a major milestone in advancing battery regulation and producer responsibility.

The New South Wales Government is currently seeking industry feedback on the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Regulation, released by the NSW Environment Protection Authority this week.

The regulations proceed under the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Act 2025, (now law in New South Wales), which enables the government to require that producers take responsibility for products they place on the market.

Batteries are the first classes of products proposed to be regulated. The regulations will apply to small, removable, or rechargeable batteries under five kilograms and batteries used in devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

Katharine Hole, Chief Executive Officer of ABRI, said the consultation is a pivotal moment as it sets out the details on how product owners comply and the rules around their participation.

“Mandatory producer responsibility is essential to address Australia’s growing battery waste, fire and safety risks. Importantly, long term it is about critical minerals and secondary metals production,” said Hole.

“This regulation is the mechanism by which we can move from voluntary goodwill to enforceable, nationwide action.

“We commend the New South Wales Government for leading this agenda. But the success of the scheme will depend on strong, transparent regulation that gives industry certainty and safeguards community safety. Timely implementation is an absolute necessity to rapidly drive improvements in battery disposal safety.”

Under the regulations, brand owners and product stewardship organisations will be required to submit action plans, maintain records, report performance, and be subject to audits.

Noncompliance with stewardship requirements, reporting, or action plan obligations may attract penalties.

Hole said ABRI recognises that this framework is an “essential next step” in underpinning increased battery recycling and material recovery rates.

“New South Wales’ regulatory framework will set an important precedent for other jurisdictions,” she said.

“To support streamlined implementation, it is critical that a cookie cutter model is adopted across Australia.

“ABRI’s experience to date suggests that differences in regulatory details support non-compliance and add costs to business. By moving swiftly and collaboratively with a clear commitment to harmonisation, we can build a robust, safe and world-class battery producer responsibility system.”

For more information, visit: yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au