The Queensland Government has announced a proposal to ban the dumping of solar panels and other e-Products in landfill. Source: Smart House Solar
On Clean Up Australia day (March 5), the Queensland Government announced a proposal to recycle solar panels and repair other e-products, in a bid to reduce landfill.
The draft plan includes banning the dumping of solar panels in landfill within the next 10 years and building Queensland’s recycling industry.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon unveiled the draft e-Products plan, targeting electronic waste, including solar panels and batteries, along with a consultation process regarding the proposed ban.
“The draft plan shows that Queensland is serious about dealing with electronic waste and now we want to hear from Queenslanders and industry to make sure we get it right,” said Minister Scanlon.
“We know that like other forms of e-waste, there is huge potential for parts to be recycled and in some instances repaired instead of ending up in landfill.
“We’ve seen industry is keen to get involved, now it’s just a case of how – which is where the pilot led by the Smart Energy Council and Activ Group comes in.
“The purpose of the project is to help us understand the best way to encourage and incentivise higher quality recovery opportunities to deliver great outcomes, with an initial key focus on regional Queensland.”
According to the Queensland Government, solar panel waste in 2019 accounted for 1,000 tonnes, but is estimated to blow out to 17,000 tonnes in 2030.
Alongside the trial, the Palaszczuk Government plans to invest over $250,000 for a pilot of an industry-led Solar Stewardship Scheme that will be led by the Smart Energy Council (SEC).
The pilot involves two stages, with the first to identify participants and locations to divert end-of-life solar panels from landfill and recover their useable materials.
The second stage includes on-ground collection, recovery and recycling of the panels, and a focus on rooftop installations.
The pilot is set to build on the Palaszczuk Government’s $1.1 billion Recycling and Jobs Fund, and their broader work to establish a recycling industry in Queensland.
The government’s goal is to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030.
The Queensland Government’s full statement can be read here.
