Queensland, Smart Energy Council Launch Solar Panel Waste Pilot Project

The Queensland government has launched a solar panel recycling program, in conjunction with the Smart Energy Council, to deal with renewable waste.
According to a government release, the program will deliver solar panel recycling across the state and guide better practices in the renewable energy sector.
“Not only do solar panels make renewable energy, but now they’re renewable themselves,” noted Mick de Brenni, state minister for energy.
The Solar Panel Stewardship program was officially launched in Redlands as part of Community Cabinet, with six solar panel collection sites established across Capalaba and North Lakes in Brisbane, along with the Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and Townsville.
A total of 15 locations will be announced in the coming weeks, covering large swathes of the state.
Leanne Linard, minister for the environment, said the start of collections for the “nation-leading” stewardship pilot was essential for dealing with solar waste.
“It also provides the opportunity for these panels to be given a new or extended life or be recycled to the highest standard,” she said.
The pilot is supported by almost $5.5 million in funding as part of the Queensland Government’s Recycling and Jobs Fund and the Queensland Renewable Energy Industry Association Grant.
John Grimes, CEO of the Smart Energy Council, stated that more than five recycling companies have already indicated they’ll be entering the Queensland market.
According to the government release, the product stewardship pilot is designed to test the feasibility of collecting, reusing, and recycling solar panels from homes, businesses, and solar farms to ensure a reduction in landfill.
“The program plans for the future and will inform the creation of a national stewardship scheme.”
Leading recycling and reuse companies and solar industry firms, such as Rexel, Resolarcycle, and Solar Shift, are participating in the pilot.
Earlier, at the program’s launch, de Brenni had said that Queensland aims to collect 80 percent of all e-waste generated and recover 90 percent of material for reuse.
“We know that, like other forms of e-waste, there is enormous potential for parts to be recycled and, in some instances, repaired instead of ending up in landfill,” said de Brenni.