The Productivity’s Commission’s interim report released this week is reinforcing what the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC) has been long calling for; nationally harmonised regulations to accelerate battery recycling and ensure all battery importers and producers contribute equally to solving the current battery challenge.

The report identifies significant regulatory gaps in the management of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and small electrical and electronic equipment (SEEE) with embedded batteries, warning that inconsistent and outdated regulations are delaying circular economy innovation and resource recovery efforts.

BSC has been advocating for stronger regulation to help ensure all battery producers and importers take responsibility for their own products.

B-cycle, its flagship initiative provides a national framework and structure for battery stewardship including safe battery recycling and supports both customers and industry in driving circularity and resource recovery.

B-cycle chief executive Libby Chaplin welcomes the Commission’s findings, and states that Australia is at risk of falling behind global leaders in battery stewardship if further action is not taken.

“While Australia has made progress in collection of loose batteries, critical gaps remain in the regulation of EV and embedded batteries,” she says.

“Without urgent regulatory alignment, we risk losing valuable materials to landfill and an opportunity to establish Australia as a leader in circular economy innovation.”

Libby states that this is a “pivotal” moment for government to implement the reforms needed to future-proof battery stewardship and ensure all manufacturers and importers contribute equally and responsibly.