The Productivity Commission’s interim report, Australia’s Circular Economy: Unlocking the Opportunities, has reinforced the call for nationally harmonised battery recycling regulations, highlighting critical gaps in Australia’s current framework.
The report identifies regulatory inconsistencies, particularly in the management of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and small electrical and electronic equipment (SEEE) with embedded batteries.
It warns that outdated policies are impeding circular economy innovation and resource recovery efforts, preventing efficient recycling and reuse.
The Battery Stewardship Council (BSC), which leads Australia’s battery stewardship strategy, has long advocated for stronger regulations to ensure all battery producers and importers take responsibility for end-of-life battery management.
Its national stewardship initiative, B-cycle, provides a framework to support safe battery recycling and industry participation.
Libby Chaplin, CEO of B-cycle, welcomed the Commission’s findings, stressing the need for urgent action.
“While Australia has made progress in collecting loose batteries, critical gaps remain in the regulation of EV and embedded batteries,” she said.
“Without urgent regulatory alignment, we risk losing valuable materials to landfill and missing the opportunity to establish Australia as a leader in circular economy innovation.”
The Commission’s report highlights the necessity of a harmonised national framework to unlock investment and industry participation in battery recovery.
It warns that without clear policy direction, Australia risks falling behind in sustainable battery management.
The BSC has been a strong proponent of mandatory participation from all battery importers and producers to close regulatory loopholes.
The Commission’s findings provide the government with a clear mandate to accelerate reforms.
The BSC commended the New South Wales Government for being the first to commit to mandatory participation and urged all other states and territories to follow suit.
“The Commission’s report highlights a clear path forward,” Chaplin said. “We need nationally consistent regulation to ensure batteries are responsibly managed across their entire lifecycle. The time for action is now.”
