Environment Protection Reform Act 2025 passed by the parliament
The federal parliament has now passed the amendments to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) contained in the Environment Protection Reform Act 2025. The amendments will take effect from 1 July 2026 and will see the creation of a National Environment Protection Agency (EPA) which will act as an independent regulator, including assuming responsibility for oversight of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 (RAWR Act) and subordinate regulations and rules, including responsibility for regulating the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.
Victorian government opens Circular Economy Recycling Modernisation Fund
Round 6 of the Victorian Circular Economy Recycling Modernisation Fund is now open. Projects will be co-funded under the Victorian Government’s circular economy policy, Recycling Victoria: A New Economy. Projects that address materials affected by national waste export regulations may also receive additional co-funding from the Australian Government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF). Applications close on 1 July 2026 and will be assessed on a rolling basis as they are received.
National solar panel recycling pilot program to be established
The Australian Government has committed to invest $24.7 million over three (3) years to pilot a national solar panel recycling program, establishing up to 100 collection sites to reduce landfill, recover valuable minerals, and support Australia’s clean energy transition. The initiative responds to the Productivity Commission’s report Australia’s circular economy: unlocking the opportunities recommendation for a dedicated solar panel recycling scheme and highlighting the need for better coordination, regulation and innovation in managing high-value, high-risk waste streams.
Productivity Commission releases report on circular economy opportunities
The Productivity Commission’s final report into Australia’s circular economy: unlocking the opportunities has been released. The report found that Australia’s progress toward a circular economy has been slow due to barriers including high costs, outdated or inconsistent regulations, coordination challenges, and limited practical information, despite growing policy attention. The report notes that governments are increasingly placing a greater focus on upstream interventions, and away from a reliance on end-of-life recycling. The Productivity Commission recommends further action through streamlined and harmonised regulation, stronger product stewardship for high-risk or high-value waste streams, and programs that promote coordination and innovation. It also calls for the Australian Government to develop an ‘outcomes framework’ linking circular economy policies to economic, social and environmental goals, supported by improved metrics and data collection to address current gaps.
Read more in ANZRP’s blog Australia’s Circular Economy: What the Productivity Commission’s Report Means for E-Stewardship | ANZRP
NSW battery stewardship to commence in October 2026
The NSW state government has now formally established the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Regulation 2026 (NSW) in order mobilise a statewide product stewardship scheme. The Regulation establishes a mandatory product stewardship response for certain commonly used batteries in NSW. The scheme includes AAA, AA, C, D, 9V and 6V lantern batteries, button and button cell batteries, removable rechargeable batteries ≤ 5kg, e-micromobility batteries e-bikes, scooters etc.) and portable power banks ≤ 5kg. The scheme is scheduled to commence on Thursday 1 October 2026.
Circular economy strategy for EV batteries and critical minerals
The shift in the economy to electric vehicles (EV) and products that are powered by batteries that consume critical minerals is scaling fast. In recognition of this the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has released a new paper highlighting how circular‑economy strategies can strengthen the sustainability and resilience of EV batteries and critical minerals. It outlines opportunities to design batteries for durability, reuse, and high‑quality recycling, reducing environmental impacts while keeping valuable materials in circulation for longer.
The report can be found at Leading-the-Charge-Jan-2026.pdf