Western Australia Commits A$17.8 Million to Solar Panel and Battery Recycling

According to industry reports, the Western Australian government has allocated A$17.8 million in its 2026-27 state budget to expand recycling capacity for solar panels and embedded batteries as part of its Remade in WA circular economy initiative.

The investment is intended to establish collection and recycling pathways for end-of-life solar panels and improve disposal options for small batteries commonly found in eRideables and household devices.

The funding package includes A$13 million to develop collection, transport, and processing systems for retired solar panels from households and solar farms. A further A$3 million will support local governments in collecting embedded batteries, while A$1.8 million has been allocated for ongoing program delivery.

The Cook Labor Government said the initiative aims to reduce landfill disposal, recover valuable materials from clean energy equipment, and stimulate new recycling industries in Western Australia. Officials also said the program is intended to encourage private-sector investment and support local employment.

The move comes as Australia faces a growing wave of solar panel and battery waste from aging renewable energy installations and consumer electronics. Governments across several jurisdictions are developing collection and recycling systems to manage these emerging waste streams and recover critical materials.

Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the investment would strengthen the state’s waste and recycling system while improving management of complex waste streams such as solar panels and embedded batteries.

Energy and Decarbonization and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the program would help prepare the state for increasing volumes of solar and battery products reaching end of life, while supporting local businesses and jobs.

The initiative forms part of Western Australia’s broader strategy to develop a low-waste, circular economy and support the state’s renewable energy ambitions.

Source: WA.gov.au

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Western Australia is investing A$17.8 million to build recycling pathways for end-of-life solar panels and embedded batteries as part of its circular economy and clean energy strategy.