The Solar Panel Stewardship program has been introduced in Redlands, Queensland, in collaboration with the Smart Energy Council to address renewable waste management. This initiative aims to promote solar panel recycling throughout the state and encourage sustainable practices in the renewable energy sector.
State Energy Minister Mick de Brenni highlighted the significance of making solar panels not only a source of renewable energy but also renewable themselves. The program was officially launched in Redlands during the Community Cabinet event, with six collection sites established in Capalaba and North Lakes in Brisbane, as well as in the Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and Townsville. Additional collection locations will be announced soon to cover more areas in the state.
Environment Minister Leanne Linard emphasized the importance of starting collections for this pioneering stewardship pilot to effectively manage solar waste. The program has received nearly $5.5 million in funding from the Queensland Government’s Recycling and Jobs Fund and the Queensland Renewable Energy Industry Association Grant.
With the participation of leading recycling and reuse companies and solar industry firms like Rexel, Resolarcycle, and Solar Shift, the pilot program aims to test the collection, reusing, and recycling of solar panels from homes, businesses, and solar farms to minimize landfill waste. CEO of the Smart Energy Council, John Grimes, mentioned that multiple recycling companies are looking to enter the Queensland market to support this initiative.
The program’s long-term goal is to establish a national stewardship scheme based on the insights and outcomes of this pilot. Minister de Brenni expressed Queensland’s commitment to collecting 80 percent of all e-waste generated and recovering 90 percent of materials for reuse. The initiative recognizes the potential for recycling and repairing solar panel components instead of disposing of them in landfills.
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