Victoria has opened Australia’s first dedicated battery-in-device recycling facility, a project the Allan Labor Government says will divert more than 8,000 tonnes of waste from landfill each year.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos announced the opening of the Campbellfield plant, describing it as a major step in addressing one of the nation’s fastest growing and most hazardous waste streams.
Operated by EcoCycle, the plant is designed to recover up to 95 per cent of metals, plastics and critical minerals from everyday battery-powered products such as toys, laptops, power tools and mobile phones.
“Only 15 per cent of batteries are being recycled in Victoria and this Australian first facility will allow us to divert over 8,000 tonnes per year from landfill and into our circular economy,” Dimopoulos said.
The Victorian Government contributed $2 million through its Circular Economy Infrastructure Fund: Hazardous Waste – Round 3, to support the development of the Battery-In-Device Shredding (BIDS) plant.
The facility uses a water-based shredding system with automated separation to safely break down devices containing batteries, with capacity to process up to one tonne of material per hour.
According to the government, battery-powered products are widely used across Australia but often end up in landfill, where they pose contamination and fire risks.
In Victoria, the disposal of batteries and e-waste to landfill has been banned since 2019, increasing the demand for specialised processing solutions.
“This project shows how investment in recycling infrastructure can deliver real results for our circular economy and keep batteries charging our economy throughout their lifecycle,” Dimopoulos said.
Member for Broadmeadows Kathleen Matthews-Ward said the new facility highlights the environmental and economic benefits of recycling infrastructure.
“We’re proud to support EcoCycle’s battery recycling facility, it’s a win for our environment, for local jobs and our economy,” she said.
The government said Round 4 of the Circular Economy Hazardous Waste Fund is now open and will close on 1 December 2025.
