B-cycle to be re-designed for circular economy goal

B-cycle 2.0 consultation is now open to gather information in readiness to reform Australia’s battery product stewardship and B-Cycle recycling scheme.

The Battery Stewardship Council (BSC) announced industry consultation on its proposal to modify and future-proof the B-cycle Scheme.

Representatives from industry, governments and organisations are invited 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.

The review of B-cycle is being conducted because of market changes and the evolving risk profile of batteries, necessitating adaptations to the current Scheme design, according to the BSC.

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

The Battery Stewardship Council acknowledged:

• B-cycle has built a solid foundation for improving battery stewardship and for leveraging our experience and learnings since 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
• And the current Scheme Design does not provide adequate financial arrangements necessary for a range of market and economic changes and trends.

BSC said regulation would be needed to ensure full participation in the Scheme and prevent free riding.

Once feedback is received, BSC will refine the proposed scheme design and conduct further consultation, prior to a relaunch of B-cycle 2.0 in July, 2025.

Picture: Battery Stewardship Council