Launch of Queensland’s Solar Panel Waste Pilot Project by the Smart Energy Council
The Solar Panel Stewardship program has been initiated in Redlands, encompassing six collection sites in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and Townsville.
In collaboration with the Smart Energy Council, the Queensland government has rolled out a solar panel recycling program to manage renewable waste effectively.
As per an official release from the government, this program will facilitate solar panel recycling statewide and promote better practices within the renewable energy sector.
State energy minister Mick de Brenni remarked, “Not only do solar panels produce renewable energy, but now they are renewable themselves.”
The launch of the Solar Panel Stewardship program took place in Redlands during Community Cabinet, establishing six collection sites in Capalaba and North Lakes in Brisbane, as well as in the Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and Townsville.
A total of 15 locations will be unveiled in the upcoming weeks, covering significant areas of the state.
Environment minister Leanne Linard emphasized the importance of commencing collections for this leading stewardship pilot to address solar waste effectively.
The pilot program is backed by nearly $5.5 million in funding from the Queensland Government’s Recycling and Jobs Fund and the Queensland Renewable Energy Industry Association Grant.
John Grimes, the CEO of the Smart Energy Council, mentioned that over five recycling companies have expressed interest in entering the Queensland market.
The government release explained that the product stewardship pilot aims to assess the viability of collecting, reusing, and recycling solar panels from households, businesses, and solar farms to minimize landfill waste.
“The program is forward-thinking and will lay the groundwork for a national stewardship scheme,” stated Linard.
Prominent recycling and reuse companies, along with solar industry firms like Rexel, Resolarcycle, and Solar Shift, are actively participating in this pilot program.
Prior to the program launch, de Brenni stated that Queensland’s objective is to collect 80% of all e-waste generated and recover 90% of materials for reuse.
“We recognize the significant potential for components to be recycled and, in some cases, repaired instead of being disposed of in landfills,” de Brenni commented.
