Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill introduced to New South Wales parliament

Industry bodies have welcomed new nation-leading legislation that would require suppliers to take greater responsibility for the handling and disposal of products, including batteries.

The new Product Lifecycle Responsibility Act was introduced into the New South Wales Parliament by Environment Minister Penny Sharpe on 18 March.

If passed, the Bill will create a framework for suppliers of certain products to participate in mandatory stewardship schemes. That means those who make and sell products will have to adhere to requirements on design and manufacturing, reuse and recycling and safe disposal options of their product.

New South Wales will be the first state to pass such legislation.

The first products that will be regulated under this act will be batteries, which according to New South Wales Fire and Rescue are the fastest growing fire risk in the state.

The waste and recycling industry estimates that between 10,000 and 12,000 fires each year in trucks and at waste facilities are caused by improper disposal, use, and poor design of lithium batteries.

Fire and Rescue NSW responded to 384 lithium-ion battery incidents since 2024 alone. Those incidents include at least 33 injuries and multiple fatalities.

If passed, the Act could require battery suppliers to:

Register battery products to ensure compliance and facilitate safe disposal or recycling through dedicated collection points
Run public education campaigns to improve awareness of battery risks and disposal options
Enhance battery design, packaging, importation, and storage to improve safety and recyclability.

The new legislation and regulation will also apply to smaller embedded batteries, which are found in everyday devices such as, cordless vacuums, electric toothbrushes, children’s toys, e-bikes and e-scooters.

Industry and other stakeholders have helped shape the reforms and will be key to their successful implementation.

Sharpe said the Bill will give the New South Wales Government the strongest powers in the country to ensure suppliers take accountability for the products that they sell.

“Batteries power our modern life, and we will need them more as we decarbonise our economy. But without adequate safety and care we will see further deaths, injuries, and property damage,” she said.

The Bill has been welcomed by B-cycle, Australia’s official battery recycling scheme.

B-cycle is overseen by the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC), which has also long advocated for a shift from voluntary to mandatory product stewardship, warning that without enforceable regulation, too many companies avoid responsibility for battery recovery.

Libby Chaplin, Chief Executive Officer of B-cycle, said the Bill delivers the action needed, and it is essential it passes through Parliament.

“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,” said Chaplin.

Chaplin stresses that other states and the Federal Government must follow suit to create a harmonised national framework for battery recycling.

Non-for-profit Total Environment Centre (TEC) has also commended the Bill, stating it has been urgently needed. considering recent dangers from incorrectly disposed of products.

Since 1972, Total Environment Centre have worked with Australian communities on more than 100 environmental campaigns while encouraging better environmental policy.

Mark Zihrul, Campaigner for TEC, said product stewardship involves those in the production and sale of goods, bearing responsibility for mitigating the adverse environmental and health risks arising from their products.

“Only mandatory stewardship schemes ensure sufficient funding, transparency and participation. We urge all other states and territories to follow New South Wales lead.” Zihrul said.

For more information, visit: bcycle.com.au/