Australian Retail Council's Retail End-of-life Battery Recovery Program
The Queensland Government awarded the Australian Retail Council (ARC), formally the National Retail Association, $400,000 to deliver two pilot activities focused on improving the management and awareness of end-of-life batteries in retail environments.
End-of-life batteries have inherent dangers and there are significant opportunities to improving the management of this waste by creating appropriate collection and disposal pathways, including retail outlets to increase safety, reduce environmental risks and improve recycling.
The two pilot activities included:
- Project A: engagement with the retail industry to provide a safe working environment, greater consistency and identify pathways for the collection, handling and management of end-of-life batteries.
- Project B: development and distribution of materials to retailers for education and awareness for both retailers and customers that promote the safe collection and management of end-of-life batteries.
The funding enabled the ARC to assist retailers and consumers to better understand and address risks associated with end-of-life batteries.
What we learnt from these pilots
- Insurance and liability are threshold barriers to retailers participating in the collection of batteries and subsequently disposal pathways.
- Retail participation is feasible, but not universal – although, it is possible where battery types, site conditions, staff processes, insurance coverage and downstream pathways are clearly defined.
- Clear acceptance, exclusion and referral pathways are essential - retailers need clear boundaries on what can be accepted, what must be excluded and where customers should be directed.
- Battery recovery depends on the whole recovery system – it is more than simply placing a collection point in store.
- Cost and funding affect participation and equity - recoverable material value does not offset the full cost of safe collection, storage, transport, sorting and processing.
- Detailed unit-level data tracking is difficult in retail settings and can increase handling, complexity and risk.
- Education and communication must align with real pathways – education is important, but messaging must match what the system can accept. Communication needs to be practical, consistent and pathway-specific so consumers understand what can be returned, what cannot, and where specialist pathways are required.
Read the Summary Report 334.4 KB) or Final Report 4.3 MB) for more information.