Efforts are underway to strengthen Victoria's ability to process hard-to-recycle household items, particularly lithium-ion batteries. The initiative aims to simplify the safe and convenient disposal of old batteries, while ensuring their components are effectively reused.
Two projects have been awarded a total of $3.5 million to establish lithium-ion processing and recycling facilities, which together will increase Victoria's processing capacity by 19,500 tonnes per year. Ecobatt will receive $2.5 million to establish a lithium battery processing and recycling facility in Campbellfield, while Enviropacific Services will receive $1 million to establish a facility in Stawell.
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in personal electronics such as mobile phones and laptops, contain valuable materials such as aluminium, copper, steel, cobalt, nickel, manganese and graphene. Currently, only a small fraction of lithium-ion battery waste is processed in Australia, highlighting the importance of these new projects in increasing the state's capacity to recycle valuable battery materials.
By diverting lithium-ion batteries from landfill, these initiatives not only minimise the risk of fire and contamination, but also contribute to a more sustainable waste management system. With more than 1200 drop-off points across Victoria, including supermarkets, hardware stores and community waste transfer stations, residents can conveniently dispose of their unwanted batteries.
Funded through the third round of the Circular Economy Infrastructure Fund Hazardous Waste, these projects are expected to create 36 long-term jobs and support Victoria's transition to a thriving and sustainable circular economy. This effort is in line with the Labor Government's $515 million investment to revolutionise Victoria's waste and recycling sector, with the aim of diverting 80% of waste from landfill by 2030.
For more information on battery recycling locations, visit bcycle.com.au or mobilemuster.com.au/recycle-a-mobile