B-cycle 2.0: Progress and Future Plans

BSC would like to thank our partners and stakeholders for their active engagement in the B-cycle Scheme Review process. While there were questions and suggestions for improvement about the detail, the BSC was pleased with the high level of engagement and support for the proposed approach. The input provided has been extremely helpful as we re-design the fundamentals of the scheme with a view to future-proofing the Scheme by enhancing sustainability across the battery life cycle, addressing evolving risks, and adapting to emerging battery products and market realities. 

The consultation process involved forums in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, industry meetings, as well as written submissions and online surveys, gathering significant input to refine the policy settings with over 350 people attending virtual and face to face forums.

As a result of valuable feedback and suggestions and feedback, the BSC is in the process of making a  number of adjustments. This will involve additional consultation with accredited Collectors and Recyclers on rebate structures, in early October. 

Eco-Modulated Levies
As a result of feedback, the BSC will move forward with the implementation of eco-modulated levies, which are designed to enhance circularity outcomes over time.  While the levy rates for FY 2026 are still the subject of ongoing consultation and ACCC re-authorisation, the concept of eco-modulation was strongly supported and as such will form part of B-cycle’s re-authorisation.  

In anticipation of this and recognising that system changes take time, it is recommended that Importers begin preparing their systems as soon as possible to report on different battery chemistries. This change is expected to take effect on July 1, 2025.  The BSC will be reaching out to importers in the near future to provide guidance and assistance. 

Expanded Scope
There will be continued exploration and phased rollout of an expanded scope for B-cycle, including further consultations with industry and a request for government funding to include vapes in the Scheme. 

Full Cost Recovery
A full cost recovery model will be pursued, meaning the levy will be designed to fully cover the cost of managing end-of-life for all battery types, with the exception of facility infrastructure. The BSC will advocate for government investment to support infrastructure development. The intent of a full cost recovery model aims to be free of charge to battery consumers.

Collection and Sorting Rebates
Adjustments include increasing the incidental receiver rebate to allow it to compete with landfill costs and clarifying that collection rebates do not include containers. Instead, participants will be able to access a dedicated container grant.   

Network Diversification
Feedback indicated that the new approach would encourage network diversity, but also identified a role for government regarding investment in innovation, recycling infrastructure, and tax incentives for the recycling sector.

Regulatory Reform
A clear message emerging from the consultation is the importance of regulation for the success of B-cycle 2.0. The recent announcement from the Environment Ministers Meeting to accelerate battery stewardship with a draft regulatory impact statement to be taken by December this year.  BSC has prepared draft Rules under the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act to compel participation in voluntary accredited schemes, targeting free riders for government consideration.

Complete or underway:

• Board endorsement of the revised approach
• Communication with importers regarding the transition to eco-modulation
• Consultations with collectors and recyclers on rebate adjustments
• Submission of the proposed Stewardship Rules for consideration by the government

September: 

• Submission of the proposed Battery Rules for consideration by government in September
• Finalisation of cost structures to ensure equity and model finalisation

October-November: 

• Industry consultations and webinars for further engagement
• Finalise the model for Board approval
• Application for re-authorisation

Home Storage Containers For Button Batteries

As part of BSC’s work to reduce the human and environmental risks posed by button batteries, the Button Battery Advisory Group is seeking to facilitate development of home storage containers. The group has developed a set of requirements for home storage containers and an associated scope of work for suitably qualified certification bodies to certify that the containers meet requirements.     

Check out the process in our graphic below: 

Sign Up For Our Next B-cycle Update Webinar

We invite you to join us for a comprehensive update on B-cycle’s plans and progress at our upcoming webinar on Tuesday 8th October, 11am – 12pm. This session will explore:  

• B-cycle Scheme Review: Gain insights into the next steps for the B-cycle Scheme Review, following our July – August consultations and BSC Board approval of the changes. Learn how these will shape the next phase of the Review, looking towards ACCC re-authorisation and B-cycle 2.0 
• Government Regulation: Learn about the evolving regulatory landscape, its impact on B-cycle operations, and how we are actively shaping and responding to these changes. 
• Collection and Recycling Network: Discover the latest developments in the expansion of the B-cycle network, ensuring more accessible services across Australia.   
• Behaviour Change: Explore initiatives aimed at encouraging responsible battery disposal and driving behaviour change to ensure higher participation rates in battery recycling. 

This is an important opportunity to stay informed about the future direction of B-cycle. We look forward to your participation and engagement. 

The session will be conducted live and will run for approximately 45 minutes, with an opportunity for Q&A following the main presentation.

BSC Welcomes New B-Cycle Participants

We are pleased to welcome Blackwood’s, Fluro and Kincrome as the latest B-cycle participants. Their involvement strengthens our shared mission to create a sustainable, closed-loop battery lifecycle across Australia.

When joining B-cycle, businesses demonstrate their commitment to responsible battery management. This ensures used batteries are collected, recycled, and given a second life, helping to minimise environmental impact, conserve critical materials, and move Australia closer to a fully circular economy.

We’re eager to collaborate with our newest participants, alongside all Importers, Manufacturers, Retailers, Drop-off Points, Collectors, Sorters, and Recyclers.

For details on how to join B-cycle, please visit our website or reach out to melissa@bsc.org.au

Government Engagement

B-cycle, alongside other stewardship schemes, including Tyre Stewardship Australia, the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council, Seamless and Resiloop, made a joint submission to the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group. The submission highlighted each scheme's achievements, demonstrating how stewardship supports circularity and aiming to influence government policy and funding. 

New Rebate Postcode Classifications

A reminder of the new classifications of postcodes for metro, regional, and remote, as approved by the BSC Board in August. The metro postcode classifications mirror Australia Post's definitions for metro postcodes used in delivery, except for Darwin, which will be classified as regional. The remote postcode classifications are the same as those identified by the Department of Home Affairs as remote or very remote. All other Australian postcodes fall under the regional category. 

Accreditation and Audit Program Report

BSC has made public its Accreditation and Audit Program Annual Progress Report, a summary of the findings from the B-cycle accreditation and conformance audits involving Drop off points, Aggregators, Collectors, Sorters, Recyclers. Results were analysed for two periods involving FY 2022–2023 and July to December 2023. 

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