ALGA welcomes the national solar panel recycling pilot

“The Government’s announcement of a national solar panel recycling pilot is a positive step toward building a stronger circular economy and diverting waste from landfill,” said the ALGA President, Mayor Matt Burnett.

The Government will invest $24.7 million over three years, including establishing up to 100 pilot collection sites nationwide, to divert end-of-life solar panels from landfill, recover valuable materials such as copper, silver and aluminum, and strengthen Australia’s recycling and resource recovery capacity.

“Councils play a critical frontline role in waste and resource recovery, managing a large number of waste facilities across the country. Any national approach to decreasing the quantities of waste going to landfill or stockpiled helps manage the current unsustainable pressures on councils.”

“Local government is also a key partner in the nation’s energy transition, from facilitating rooftop solar uptake, helping communities navigate renewables development, and delivering community energy programs. This initiative would help close the loop so panels aren’t left to stockpile or end up in landfill.”

“But for this pilot to lead to a long-term national solution, the Federal Government must also progress strong product stewardship arrangements. Manufacturers and importers must share responsibility for the end-of-life management of solar panels so ratepayers aren’t left carrying the cost.” Mayor Matt Burnett said.

Local governments have long urged national action on solar panel waste because councils manage the majority of Australia’s waste facilities, making them essential partners in designing practical and locally tailored recycling solutions.

ALGA reiterates its longstanding position that Australia also needs a national, regulated, product stewardship scheme across our waste system to ensure responsibility is shared fairly across the supply chain, and to drive investment in processing infrastructure, skills, and end markets.

“We welcome the Productivity Commission’s recommendation for a national recycling scheme and look forward to working with all levels of government to make this pilot a success.”