Campbellfield is now home to the world’s first of its kind battery recycling facility to process batteries found in household items and divert over 8000 tonnes of waste per year from landfill.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced the opening of the first dedicated battery-in-device shredding plant in Australia by EcoBatt and EcoCycle on Wednesday, September 3, which is expected to recover up to 95 per cent of metals, plastics, and valuable critical metals for further recycling.
The innovative new facility aims to safely process embedded battery waste from everyday products like toys, power tools, laptops and mobile phones to address one of Australia’s fastest growing and most hazardous waste streams.
Mr Dimopoulos highlighted the important role the new facility will play in diverting thousands of recyclable batteries from landfills.
“Only 15 per cent of batteries are being recycled in Victoria and this Australian first facility will allow us to divert over 8000 tonnes per year from landfill and into our circular economy,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“What we’re doing here is enormous, it’s impressive. It’s huge.”
Doug Rowe, EcoCycle group chief executive cut the ribbon on the new plant and said the launch marks a turning point for battery recycling in Australia.
“Every home has products with hidden batteries, and until now there hasn’t been a dedicated way to recover them at scale,” he said
“This plant gives Australians confidence that when they recycle, those batteries are managed safely, onshore, and responsibly.”
