The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) welcomes Friday’s commitment by Commonwealth, state, and territory governments to progress work on a national product stewardship scheme for solar panels, ensuring these products are responsibly managed from production to end-of-life.
The announcement, following the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council meeting in Sydney, is strongly supported by industry given the urgent need for producers and manufacturers to take greater responsibility for the products they place on the market. Without action, valuable materials risk being lost to landfill.
Annual solar panel waste in Australia is forecast to almost double over the next five years, from 59,340 tonnes in 2025 to 91,165 tonnes by 2030. The majority of this growth will come from domestic solar use in metropolitan areas, with significant volumes from large-scale solar farms expected to follow in regional areas post-2030.
“Raw material extraction is the single greatest source of emissions in manufacturing. The ability to repair, recycle and remanufacture solar panels—rich in critical minerals—will not only create local Australian jobs but also cut emissions. This is a win for the environment and the economy,” said WMRR CEO, Gayle Sloan.
“The creation of a second-hand solar panel market will also make these products more affordable for households as we accelerate the transition to renewable energy.”
NSW is already leading the way on mandatory stewardship with new battery regulations underway. However, Ms Sloan stressed that consistent action across all jurisdictions is essential.
“We need all states and territories on board to ensure communities and workers benefit from the same access, safety, and environmental outcomes that mandatory stewardship schemes deliver.”
Importantly, WMRR also welcomed Federal Government involvement.
“It is fabulous to see the Commonwealth step up after years of inaction. We hope this marks the beginning of stronger national leadership, because Australia will not achieve its 80% recovery target without smart regulation and federal participation in what is, after all, one common market.”
The WARR industry continues to advocate for products to be designed for durability and reuse, with greater emphasis on extending product life through repair and remanufacturing.
“Until these systemic changes are in place, stronger producer responsibility obligations are vital to ensure that those who make products are also accountable for their full life cycle,” Ms Sloan said.
ABOUT WMRR
The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) is the national peak body representing Australia’s $21 billion waste and resource recovery (WARR) industry. With more than 2,300 members from over 400 entities nationwide, we represent the breadth and depth of the sector, including representation from business organisations, the three (3) tiers of government, universities, and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), including research bodies.
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