WA invests $17.8M in solar panel and battery recycling

Close-up of solar panels with sun shining on them
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The Western Australian Government is investing $17.8 million in the 2026-27 State Budget to build Western Australia’s capacity to recycle solar panels and embedded batteries.

Through the state government’s Remade in WA initiative, $13 million will establish new collection, transport, and processing pathways for end-of-life solar panels from both households and solar farms.

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This will reduce waste to landfill, recover valuable materials, and help protect and restore WA’s environment for future generations.

The investment will also lay the foundations for a new local recycling industry by unlocking private sector investment, creating jobs, and ensuring more of the value from clean energy infrastructure is retained in WA.

An additional $3 million will support local governments to collect embedded batteries, such as those found in eRideables and household devices, providing a safe and accessible disposal pathway for the community.

Energy and Decarbonisation and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said, “As WA moves towards becoming a global clean energy powerhouse, this investment will ensure we are prepared for the future.

“More solar panels and batteries are coming into use every day and we need systems to manage them at end-of-life, reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.

Related article: Ten new renewables projects approved for Western Australia

“This announcement is good for local jobs, good for local businesses and good for our environment.”

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