The Battery Stewardship Council (BSC), operator of Australia’s first government-backed battery recycling scheme B-cycle, has welcomed the New South Wales Government’s decision to introduce mandatory battery product stewardship legislation in 2025.
The announcement follows the Environment Ministers Meeting (EMM) yesterday, where federal, state, and territory ministers discussed urgent reforms to address fire risks and improve battery management.
The NSW legislation will require suppliers to meet mandatory safety and disposal standards under a stewardship scheme, driving safer battery recycling and reducing improperly disposed batteries that pose serious hazards.
Libby Chaplin, Chief Executive Officer of B-cycle, said a state-by-state regulated approach is a solid first step and New South Wales’ regulation will act as the trigger for ending free riding.
“Through this state regulatory change, the outcome will have national impacts because Australia’s battery landscape isn’t confined by borders. Batteries are imported, distributed, and recycled across state lines, and participation in the scheme will inevitably extend nationwide,” Chaplin said.
“This first step is about creating a battery recycling system that works for the battery sector, waste and recycling industry, and Australians in their recycling efforts. BSC is committed to aligning with the actions of states, territories, and the Federal Government to ensure we deliver a consistent, effective, and sustainable battery stewardship framework.”
The Battery Stewardship Council congratulated NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe on her leadership in providing the pathway to true battery stewardship in Australia.
Battery-related fires are a significant and growing issue across Australia:
- Fire and Rescue NSW has responded to more than 275 battery-related incidents in 2024, a 66 per cent increase from 2023, with 26 injuries and 876 evacuations
- The Australian waste industry experiences 10,000–12,000 battery-related fires annually, costing millions in damages to facilities and infrastructure.
Chaplin said these incidents underscore the need for co-ordinated regulation to mitigate safety risks, protect infrastructure, and recover valuable resources.
B-cycle recently released its Annual Report which demonstrates that B-cycle has established a strong foundation with international credibility.
“By introducing regulation to support our work, New South Wales and other jurisdictions will ensure Australia builds a world-class battery management system,” Chaplin said.
“Together, we can safeguard communities, protect the environment, and deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits.”
Related stories:
New trial targets safe disposal of embedded batteries, including vapes
