The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted interim authorisation to the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC) to continue operating its national battery recycling scheme, with limited levy and rebate adjustments.
Effective from 4 June 2025, the authorisation allows the BSC to adjust the levy on imported batteries to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index since the scheme began in 2020.
Mick Keogh, Deputy Chair at the ACCC, said the interim authorisation is needed to ensure the Scheme’s financial viability, given that costs have risen since its inception.
“The Scheme results in significant environmental benefits by diverting the number of batteries headed for landfill, as well as raising public awareness around battery disposal and re-use.”
The BSC currently imposes a 4-cent levy per equivalent battery unit. The interim approval also permits the BSC to develop a new eco-modulated levy based on battery type. This aims to better match rebates with the actual cost of collection and sorting, and to encourage improved processing performance.
“Granting interim authorisation provides the BSC with financial stability, enabling it to maintain the Battery Stewardship Scheme while the ACCC completes its assessment of the proposed broader levy and rebate arrangements,” Keogh said.
As a condition of the authorisation, the BSC must continue implementing its Button Battery Safety Strategy to reduce risks associated with button battery storage and disposal.
“We acknowledge the broader issues raised by interested parties in relation to the Scheme’s performance so far as well as the pathway forward,” Mr Keogh added. “We will investigate these issues further in our draft determination.”
The ACCC is still assessing the BSC’s full application, which includes proposed changes to expand the scheme and enhance financial mechanisms. Stakeholders will be invited to comment on the ACCC’s draft determination in due course.
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