The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has released the draft Product Lifecycle Responsibility Regulation and Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for public consultation. The draft Regulation establishes the legal framework for a proposed mandatory product stewardship scheme for batteries supplied in New South Wales.
The Regulation aims to address the growing risks and environmental impacts of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, which are responsible for an estimated 10,000 fires each year in waste collection trucks and facilities across Australia. Damaged or improperly disposed batteries can enter thermal runaway, creating fires that are difficult to extinguish and pose significant risks to public safety, waste infrastructure, and the environment.
Under the proposed scheme, brand owners supplying batteries in NSW will be required to take responsibility for the environmental and health impacts of their products across their full lifecycle — from design and manufacture through to disposal and recycling.
Key proposed requirements include:
For brand owners:
- Becoming a member of a Product Stewardship Organisation (PSO) with an agreement in place with the EPA.
- Notifying the PSO and keeping records of the number and weight of regulated batteries supplied into NSW.
For Product Stewardship Organisations:
- Developing and publishing an action plan that details how they will meet the regulation’s requirements and their agreement with the EPA.
- Keeping records and providing quarterly and annual reports on performance and financial measures.
The draft Regulation was developed following consultation with industry, local government, environment groups, and community stakeholders. It represents one of the first steps toward implementing mandatory product stewardship for batteries in Australia, positioning NSW as a national leader in managing hazardous end-of-life products.
Feedback is sought on the proposed regulatory requirements, action plan scope, and implementation timelines.
Submissions on the draft Regulation and RIS are now open. Further details and consultation documents are available on the Draft Product Lifecycle Responsibility Regulation website.
