Implementation of Solar Panel Recycling Scheme a future possibility for Byron Shire
Solar Panel Ghosts
An estimated 100,000 tonnes of solar panels are expected to reach end-of-life in Australia by 2030.
Disposing of expired panels via landfill can leach toxic materials into soil and water, posing
environmental and public health risks.
With appropriate recycling infrastructure, expired panels can be effectively treated, and used to source valuable materials such as silicon, silver, copper, and aluminium.
Motion passed for a Solar Panel Recycling Scheme
A motion has passed council that supports investigation into the establishment of a local
program to support the design of a solar panel recycling scheme for the Byron Shire and
Northern Rivers.
The motion further endorses the Smart Energy Council’s Joint Statement on Mandatory
Product Stewardship (attached), which calls for a national, regulated approach to PV panel
recycling Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said ‘The Smart Energy Council and the NSW Government have both made strong commitments to addressing this issue, and Southern Cross University has expressed interest in partnering on research and potential pilot programs.
‘This project is funded by the NSW Environmental protection agency (EPA)
‘The current phase is in collecting data on the materials requiring solutions, and marrying
these materials with companies that can repurpose, recycle or remanufacture,’ said Mayor Ndiaye.
Solar recycling an unavoidable task for the future
In a Public Access Statement to Council, Dr Anne Stuart from ‘Zero Emissions’ made it clear
that solar recycling is an unavoidable task in the face of a ‘tidal wave’ of predicted waste.
‘Internationally, the ‘Basel Convention’ now classifies solar panels as e-waste and is
reflected in our 1989 hazardous waste act.
‘In response to this classification, landfill disposal and exporting will no longer be
permissible options.
‘That means Australia will soon be required to assess all panels and recycle or reuse them
locally
Dr Stuart said that the benefits of recycling are very clear. ‘Recycling just 185 tonnes of solar panels can save up to 2200 tonnes of C02
‘Smart Energy Council’ estimates we have potentially over 6 billion dollars-worth of
recoverable critical minerals to reuse.
‘Reused panels could generate 12 gigawatts of power by 2043, enough to supply three
million homes
‘It is a major opportunity to reduce landfill, mining, strengthen circular economies and create new jobs,’ said Dr Stuart.
Challenges to solar Panel recycling
Some potential challenges to the establishment of solar panel recycling facilities are
discussed in an article from Okon Recycling.
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