Ecocycle has become the first and only battery recycler in Australia to achieve Responsible Recycling version 3 (R2v3) certification – a globally recognised standard for electronics recycling.
It follows a rigorous 12-month process of auditing, infrastructure investments, and security enhancements to meet the world’s highest standards for ethical and environmentally sound recycling.
Nick Dodd, General Manager for Ecocycle, says certification is more than just a regulatory achievement – it cements Ecocycle’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and compliance and reinforces its position as a leader in Australia’s e-waste, battery and mobile phone recycling.
“With the global e-waste crisis escalating and battery-related fire risks increasing, businesses and organisations must work with trusted recyclers,” Nick says. “Ecocycle’s R2v3 certification provides assurance of secure, responsible, and legally compliant recycling processes that meet international best practices.
“We’ve spent 12 months undergoing a comprehensive audit process, which involved significant upgrades to our facilities, security systems, and operational frameworks.
“This certification doesn’t just validate what we do – it raises the bar for how batteries and mobile phones should be recycled in Australia.”
Ecocycle’s head office in Campbellfield, Victoria, is the first site to receive R2v3 certification, and the company is in the process of achieving this certification at all Ecocycle locations.
Why is it important?
R2v3 is the latest and most stringent version of the Responsible Recycling (R2) Standard, established by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), as an international framework ensuring safe, transparent, and environmentally responsible e-waste processing.
The certification establishes strict requirements for data security, worker safety, and material recovery, providing businesses and consumers with a trusted recycling solution.
The certification is especially critical for battery and mobile phone recycling, industries that require careful handling due to the presence of hazardous materials and fire risks. As the adoption of lithium-ion and other battery chemistries grows, so does the need for recyclers who can guarantee safe, compliant, and ethical disposal processes.
Nick says that R2v3 certification is not just about meeting industry standards – it’s about exceeding them. “There’s a growing expectation that recyclers should provide full transparency, security, and sustainability in their operations,” he says. “This certification proves that Ecocycle is delivering on those expectations and taking the industry forward.”
A growing need
Australia is among the highest per capita producers of e-waste in the world, generating 511,000 tonnes of e-waste in 2019, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
On average, Australians discard 20 kilograms of e-waste per person each year, nearly three times the global average of seven kilograms per person.
Despite various industry-led initiatives, only 17 per cent of this waste is formally recycled, with the majority still ending up in landfill, contributing to environmental degradation.
Mobile phones, power tool batteries, and e-mobility batteries make up a significant portion of this growing waste stream. Without proper recycling, the hazardous materials found in these devices pose risks to both the environment and public safety.
Battery disposal, in particular, has become a national safety concern, with lithium-ion batteries being responsible for an increasing number of fires in waste facilities and recycling centres. Victoria’s Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) has responded to more than 100 battery-related fires in waste facilities over the past five years.
Nick says that R2v3-certified recyclers such as Ecocycle are essential to addressing these challenges.
“As battery usage continues to rise, so do the risks associated with improper disposal,” he says. “We need a clear, certified framework that ensures all e-waste, batteries and mobile phones are processed in a way that is safe, efficient, and environmentally sound – and that’s exactly what our R2v3 certification provides.”
How R2v3 benefits clients
Nick says Ecocycle’s R2v3 certification is a game-changer for businesses, councils, and organisations looking for a trusted, compliant, and sustainable recycling partner.
Clients who work with R2v3-certified recyclers such as Ecocycle benefit from:
Enhanced credibility and marketability: Businesses that use certified recyclers can demonstrate their commitment to ethical and sustainable waste management, which builds trust with stakeholders and government bodies.
Regulatory compliance and risk management: Partnering with an R2v3-certified recycler ensures full compliance with environmental laws, data security regulations, and workplace safety standards, reducing the risk of fines, legal issues, and reputational damage.
Guaranteed data security: The safe destruction of IT assets and mobile phones is a concern for businesses. R2v3 certification guarantees that data is securely wiped or destroyed, ensuring full compliance with privacy laws and reducing liability risks.
Sustainability and circular economy support: Ecocycle’s certification means that valuable materials are recovered and reused, supporting a circular economy and minimising environmental impact.
Operational efficiency and cost savings: Best-practice waste management and maximised material recovery help businesses reduce disposal costs while maintaining high sustainability standards.
Competitive advantage: Many corporations, government agencies, and international organisations require R2-certified recyclers. Businesses working with Ecocycle gain access to new markets and opportunities that demand certified recycling partners.
Worker health and safety standards: R2v3 certification enforces strict protocols to protect workers from exposure to hazardous battery materials, ensuring a safer workplace for all employees.
Nick says that choosing an R2v3-certified recycler is now a necessity, not a luxury.
“Companies that take sustainability and compliance seriously want to know that their waste is being handled responsibly,” he says.
“With R2v3, we provide that assurance – guaranteed compliance, secure processing, and fully transparent recycling practices.”
Moving forward
While Ecocycle’s head office in Campbellfield is the first site to receive R2v3 certification, the company has already started the process of expanding certification across all its Australian locations. By the end of 2025, all Ecocycle sites – including its new facility in New Zealand – will be certified, creating a nationwide and international network of R2v3-accredited battery and e-waste recycling centres.
For Nick, R2v3 certification is just the beginning. Ecocycle remains focused on expanding its infrastructure, increasing collection networks, and investing in advanced recycling technologies to further improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
“We’re not just meeting industry standards – we’re setting them,” he says. “We will continue pushing the boundaries of what responsible e-waste, battery, and mobile phone recycling should look like in Australia.
“This certification is a commitment to doing things the right way. We take this responsibility seriously, and we will continue leading the industry towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.”
For more information, visit: www.ecocycle.com.au
