Feedback sought for updated B-cycle scheme

Australia’s Battery Stewardship Council (BSC) has begun to consult with industry on its proposal to update the B-cycle Scheme. Launched in 2022, B-cycle is Australia’s first nationwide, government-backed battery stewardship scheme.

The B-cycle Scheme Review is being conducted due to significant market changes and the evolving risk profile of batteries, which call for adaptations to the current Scheme design.

The review will explore the inclusion of new battery categories such as loose batteries under 60 kg, including in portable energy storage; embedded batteries not covered by existing regulated schemes; and vapes (both legal and illegally imported). Emerging markets of battery categories will also be considered, such as installed or high-voltage environments, energy storage (residential and grid) and electric vehicles.

By implementing the changes proposed in the Scheme Review, B-cycle aims to achieve its mission of establishing a circular economy for batteries in Australia.

BSC is inviting representatives from industry, government and organisations to provide written feedback on the B-cycle Scheme Review Consultation Paper. Additionally, in-person consultation events are taking place around Australia during July 2024.

In preparation for the Scheme review and consultation, BSC acknowledged that:

• B-cycle has built a solid foundation for improving battery stewardship and for leveraging BSC’s experience and learning since its launch in early 2022;
• the current Scheme design is limited in its ability to deliver BSC’s mission to create a circular economy for batteries given the degree of market change and the changing risk profile of batteries;
• the current Scheme design does not provide adequate financial arrangements necessary for a range of market and economic changes and trends;
• regulation will be needed to ensure full participation in the Scheme and prevent free riding.
   

Once feedback is received, BSC plans to refine the proposed Scheme design and conduct further consultation as needed. The final approach will be informed by industry feedback and, subject to approval by the BSC Board and the authorisation of the ACCC, B-cycle 2.0 will launch in July 2025.

The deadline for written feedback on the consultation paper is Friday, 2 August 2024. All written feedback can be submitted here. In-person consultation events are as follows:

• Tuesday, 23 July, 10 am–3 pm including lunch. Register here.
• Thursday, 25 July, 10 am–3 pm including lunch. Register here.

Image credit: iStock.com/Benjamin Robinson