2 September 2025

1.Call for Nominations - ABRI Priority Policy Working Groups - Used lead acid batteries

Join the ABRI ULAB working group – interested members are invited to nominate a representative to the group to help shape policy, drive best practices, and contribute directly to positive change for the industry. Members can play a pivotal role in advancing ABRI’s strategic objectives, which include:

  • Advocating to regulators for a viable, efficient, growing, safe, and sustainable battery recycling capability

  • Promoting and educating industry stakeholders on the critical importance of a robust, safe, and sustainable battery recycling sector

  • Facilitating continuous improvement and the advancement of industry standards

The Working Group will provide recommendations to the ABRI Executive Committee:

  • Regarding advocacy priorities and possible actions to address non-compliance issues related to used lead acid battery exports.

  • Updates to the ABRI guidelines for packaging and transport of used lead acid batteries, reflecting member feedback on the current guidelines, including considerations for all types of bins, wooden pallets as per ADG, and clarification of wrapping requirements.

  • The development of the ABRI industry profile for used lead acid batteries.

  • Other priorities that emerge.

Nominations due by Friday 5 September Email nomination. Please provide your name, title and organisation.

First working group meeting 2pm Thursday 18 September

Terms of Reference

2. Brisbane: catch up with ABRI CEO Katharine Hole on 9 Sept

ABRI CEO Katharine Hole will be in Brisbane on 9 September for the Smart Energy Council 2025 Expo to engage with stakeholders regarding battery circular economy priorities. Katharine is also looking forward to connecting with ABRI members who will be at the Expo to discuss their current challenges and industry development priorities. Members interested in touching base are encouraged to contact Katharine by email to arrange a time to meet.

3. Just released by Fire + Rescue NSW Management of Lithium-ion battery safety risks: a literature review of current knowledge and best practices

This Fire + Rescue NSW report, reviewing over 200 articles, identifies knowledge gaps and research priorities for the Australian context. ABRI members will be particularly interested in observations on:

  • risks around reuse, remanufacturing and repurposing

  • efficacy and benefits of packing materials

  • waste and recycling (all streams) are not prepared to manage the increasing volume of electronic waste

ABRI has asked Fire + Rescue NSW to provide ABRI /members with a presentation on the reports finding and an opportunity to delve deeper into the study.

4. Standards Australia reports - Strengthening Australia’s Battery and EV Standards for Net Zero

Standards Australia has released three reports:

Standards Australia developed these reports in collaboration with industry and with support from the Commonwealth Government Departments of Industry, Science and Resources, and Energy, the Environment, Climate Change and Water. The reports identify opportunities to strengthen Australia’s standards landscape in line with international benchmarks. Further information

The report of most interest to ABRI members is the one on Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle which makes recommendations around handling and reuse/repurposing standards.

Scott Brownlaw, Strategic Initiatives Manager at Standards Australia, will provide a presentation on the project for ABRI members on Friday 12 September, midday (AEST) - Register for presentation

5. Building the Industry’s Voice - out and about with ABRI

26 August - NSW EPA stakeholder workshop on early draft of the Producer Lifecycle Responsibility Regulations

29 August - Cwlth DEECCW policy and regulatory discussion on hazardous waste export permit processes for used lithium and lead acid batteries

 

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18 August 2025