News & Events

Handheld Battery Product Stewardship Project Update

The Battery Implementation Working Group (BIWG) formed to support the development of a handheld battery product stewardship scheme for Australia has released their first project communique. The Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection leads the development of the scheme and provides Secretariat support for the BIWG. GlobalPSC CEO Russ Martin serves as the Independent Chair.

The BIWG comprises representation from:

• Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (Queensland)
• Australian Battery Recycling Initiative
• Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association
• Australian Industry Group
• Australian Information Industry Association
• Australian Mobile Telecommunication Association
• Department of the Environment (Commonwealth)
• Sustainability Victoria (SV)
• Australian Local Government Association

Retailers, brand owners, battery manufacturers and other stakeholders have been invited to participate during the development of the scheme. The GlobalPSC has been active in the scheme’s development, including stakeholder consultations and gaining overseas perspectives from experts at Call2Recycle, Energizer and P&G. GlobalPSC Foundation Members MS2 led the development of the business and public policy case for battery stewardship on behalf of SV.

The BIWG is developing a discussion paper on key issues for the design of the product stewardship scheme, including objectives, principles, scope, management, funding, targets and performance indicators. The first draft of this paper will be presented to jurisdictions and broader stakeholders 19 February in Canberra.

Report: Minnesota Could Cost-Effectively Increase Consumer Packaging and Printed Paper Recycling 32% Through Producer Responsibility

A newly released report shows that the US state of Minnesota could see a 32% increase in recycling of consumer packaging and printed paper (PPP) by using an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model incorporating harmonization of materials collection, increased single-stream collection, slightly more curbside collection, and an away-from-home recycling program. A statewide recycling rate of 61% could be achieved for recyclable consumer PPP, and a higher rate is possible for household PPP. The model approach would cost approximately US$72 million, compared to estimated current household spending on recycling of US$61-$74 million. Future efficiency improvements at material recovery facilities could provide an additional savings of US$10 million annually.

GlobalPSC members were integral to the report’s development, with Recycling Reinvented commissioning Reclay StewardEdge to conduct the study, accompanying appendix and related efforts.

“Many advocates, both for and against, are making arguments based on theory or models from other countries that have implemented EPR for packaging and printed paper but no one has yet to do a truly data-rich analysis of how a system designed uniquely for America could work. We commissioned this study to ensure that business, environmental and legislative stakeholders can consider the issue from an informed position.” said Paul Gardner, Recycling Reinvented’s executive director, in an accompanying media release.

Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO) has reported in a recent program update  that the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Program operated by Ontario Electronic Stewardship has collected more than 230,000 tonnes of WEEE since the program began in April 2009. WDO is seeking input on key areas identified for improvement by stakeholders, including targets and metrics; harmonization; recycling standards; the WEEE market outside of the program; program communications; and reuse.