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Extended producer responsibility for batteries in Australia
Battery stewardship is delivered via BatteryBack in Victoria and pilot programs in other states. These voluntary schemes aim to collect and recycle portable batteries to prevent hazardous waste entering landfill.What the program includes
- Portable alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D)
- Rechargeable NiMH
- Lithium-ion (used in devices like laptops and power tools)
Who must register
Retailers, distributors and producers of portable batteries can participate by hosting collection points and remitting program fees.Threshold
No mandatory thresholds; participation is open and voluntary to maximize coverage.EPR registration procedure in Australia
- Enrollment: register as a BatteryBack site via Sustainability Victoria.
- Bin Deployment: install and maintain collection bins at customer-facing locations.
- Fee Remittance: pay annual service fees to cover collection and recycling costs.
- Reporting: submit quarterly collection volumes to the scheme operator.
Authorized representative
Sustainability Victoria coordinates on behalf of the scheme; individual sites need not appoint separate representatives.Reporting Deadline
Quarterly reporting to Sustainability Victoria: by end of each calendar quarter.Who Assumes Responsibility
- Retailers/Sites: host bins, collect batteries, report volumes.
- Scheme Operator (Sustainability Victoria): logistics, recycler partnerships, data management.
- Recyclers: safe processing and material recovery.
Duties of Each Group Who Is Responsible
- Sites: maintain bin security, educate customers, track volumes.
- Scheme: coordinate collections, negotiate recycling contracts, aggregate data.
- Recyclers: comply with environmental standards, provide processing certificates.
Extended producer responsibility for chemicals in Australia
National schemes like PaintBack and DrumMUSTER deliver EPR for paint and agricultural chemical containers respectively. These are voluntary but widely adopted programs funded by manufacturer levies.What the program includes
- PaintBack: unused paint, aerosols and paint containers.
- DrumMUSTER: rigid plastic containers from agricultural and veterinary chemicals.
Who must register
- Paint manufacturers and retailers: to join PaintBack.
- Agrochemical producers and distributors: to enroll in DrumMUSTER.
Threshold
No threshold; all eligible products are covered once the producer joins the scheme.EPR registration procedure in Australia
- Join Scheme: complete online application as a member producer.
- Levy Remittance: pay per-unit fees according to product type and container volume.
- Provide Drop-Off Network: support local collection sites or councils.
- Annual Reporting: submit volumes sold and collected by 31 July.
Authorized representative
Scheme operators (PaintBack Ltd and Agsafe for DrumMUSTER) act on behalf of producers for compliance and liaison.Reporting Deadline
Annual Report: by 31 July each year for both PaintBack and DrumMUSTER.Who Assumes Responsibility
- Producers: fund collections, pay levies, provide containers.
- Scheme Operators: manage collection logistics and recycler accreditation.
- Recyclers: process materials and issue recovery certificates.
Duties of Each Group Who Is Responsible
- Producers: remit fees, support drop-off points, track sales.
- Scheme Operators: run collection networks, negotiate recycling contracts, aggregate and publish data.
- Government and Councils: promote schemes, host collection events, ensure environmental compliance.
Extended producer responsibility for EEE in Australia
Australia mandates a National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) to address the growing volume of e-waste. Under this scheme, producers and importers of televisions, computers, printers, monitors and associated peripherals share the cost and logistics of collection and recycling.What the program includes
- Televisions: CRT, LCD, LED and plasma TVs
- Computers and Laptops
- Monitors and Screens
- Printers, scanners and multifunction devices
- Computer peripherals: keyboards, mice, external drives
Who must register
Any producer or importer with an Australian market share exceeding:- 15 001 computer units per year.
- 5 001 television units per year must register with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and contribute to the NTCRS.
Threshold
- Volume thresholds: 15 001 computers or 5 001 TVs annually.
- No financial turnover threshold applies.
EPR registration procedure in Australia
- Online Registration: register producer details and product categories via the DCCEEW portal
- Market Share Calculation: submit annual sales data to calculate fees.
- Fee Payment: pay proportional fees based on share of e-waste generated.
- Service Agreement: enter into service agreements with approved recyclers.
- Annual Plan & Report: submit collection targets by 31 October and performance report by 30 June.
Authorized representative
For overseas producers, the Australian importer assumes NTCRS obligations and acts as the authorized representative in communications with DCCEEW and recyclers.Reporting Deadline
- Annual Plan: by 31 October each year.
- Performance Report: by 30 June, detailing units collected, recycled and processed.
Who Assumes Responsibility
- Producers/Importers: financial obligations, reporting and service agreements.
- DCCEEW: scheme oversight, target setting and compliance enforcement.
- Approved Recyclers: collection, processing and data submission.
Duties of Each Group Who Is Responsible
- Producers: register, calculate fees, engage recyclers, submit plans and reports.
- DCCEEW: review submissions, enforce compliance, update guidelines.
- Recyclers: operate collection points, recover materials, report processing data.
Extended producer responsibility for furniture in Australia
To tackle textile-rich furniture waste, Australia mandates a stewardship scheme for mattresses. Under the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council (ABSC), producers must fund the collection and recycling of used mattresses.What the program includes
- Residential and commercial mattresses
- Associated foam, fabric and spring materials
Who must register
All mattress manufacturers and importers selling into the Australian market must join ABSC and implement a stewardship plan.Threshold
The scheme applies to every unit sold—no minimum or turnover threshold—ensuring comprehensive coverage.EPR registration procedure in Australia
- Enroll with ABSC online.
- Submit Stewardship Plan: detail collection and recycling strategies.
- Pay Per-Unit Fee: funds local recycling and processing networks.
Authorized representative
Not required; ABSC manages all producer obligations centrally.Reporting deadline
Producers must report sales volumes and recycling outcomes by 30 June each year.Who Assumes Responsibility
- Mattress Producers: financial responsibility for end-of-life management.
- ABSC: coordinating collections, partner infrastructure, data reporting.
- Regulators: monitor scheme performance and compliance.
Duties of Each Group Who Is Responsible
- Producers: fund stewardship, submit reports, meet recycling targets.
- ABSC: operate drop-off points, logistics, recycler accreditation.
- Government: review scheme outcomes and adjust regulatory settings.
Extended producer responsibility for packaging in Australia
Australia embraces EPR packaging Australia through a co-regulatory partnership that unites federal policy and industry leadership. Under the National Environment Protection (Used Packaging Materials) Measure 2011 (NEPM), brand owners are mandated to design, recover and report on packaging waste, ensuring a circular lifecycle. In parallel, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) administers a voluntary Covenant scheme, aligning participants with the national targets for packaging recyclability and recycled content .What the program includes
The NEPM’s definition of consumer packaging spans three layers:- Primary packaging: the immediate container (e.g., water bottles, food trays)
- Secondary packaging: grouping materials (e.g., multipack sleeves, cardboard trays)
- Tertiary packaging: transit protection (e.g., pallets, shrink wrap) These three tiers form the basis of Australia packaging recycling, compelling stakeholders to consider every packaging touchpoint .
Who must register
Any brand owner—manufacturer, importer or trademark holder—whose Australian turnover from packaged goods equals or exceeds AUD 5 million must register under NEPM and sign up as an APCO Signatory or with the relevant state environment agency. Smaller businesses may voluntarily join APCO to benefit from guidance and demonstrate leadership in EPR registration Australia.Threshold
Distinct from tonnage-based systems abroad, Australia’s model relies solely on a turnover threshold:- Mandatory liability at AUD 5 million annual revenue
- No mass-based minimum for packaging quantities
- Organizations below this threshold may still opt-in to APCO to access best practices and offset compliance risks.
EPR registration procedure in Australia
- Assess Liability: Use APCO’s online tool to determine eligibility.
- Choose Membership: Decide between Brand Owner, Packaging Supplier or SME categories.
- Submit Application: Sign APCO Membership Agreement Provide company details, packaging data, turnover evidence Pay an annual fee scaled to turnover.
- Fulfill Obligations: Lodge an Action Plan within 90 days File the APCO Annual Report by 31 March via the online Reporting Tool Completing these steps ensures your firm meets both NEPM and APCO commitments.
Authorized representative
For imported packaging, the entity that brings goods into Australia assumes the role of brand owner and meets NEPM responsibilities on behalf of overseas manufacturers. There is no requirement for a separate third-party representative.Reporting Deadline
- APCO Annual Report: due 31 March each year, detailing progress against the Packaging Sustainability Framework.
- APCO Action Plan: due 31 May, outlining strategies for the upcoming reporting period . Maintaining these deadlines is critical to uphold good standing under EPR Australia.
Who Assumes Responsibility?
The co-regulatory approach distributes roles as follows:- Brand Owners: financial and operational accountability for packaging end-of-life
- APCO: Covenant administration, member support and data aggregation
- DCCEEW & NEPC: policy oversight and target setting
- State/Territory EPAs: local enforcement, audits and penalties.
Duties of Each Group Who Is Responsible
- Brand Owners: register, develop and submit Action Plans, meet national targets, report annually
- APCO: manage membership, provide tools and resources, publish industry insights
- Government (DCCEEW & NEPC): establish standards, monitor national performance, liaise with jurisdictions
- State EPAs: enforce NEPM, audit compliance, collaborate on container deposit schemes
Extended producer responsibility for sport equipment in Australia
The TreadLightly initiative is a voluntary program focused on recovering and recycling athletic and casual footwear at end-of-life. It engages brands and retailers to reduce landfill impact from shoes.What the program includes
- Athletic shoes: running, training, court sports
- Casual and fashion footwear
- Specialty sports footwear
Who must register
Any footwear brand, importer or retailer may opt into TreadLightly to demonstrate commitment to EPR Australia beyond packaging and textiles.Threshold
There is no minimum sales volume; all participants contribute a flat per-pair levy.EPR registration procedure in Australia
- Sign Up: complete the online enrollment form with brand details.
- Levy Payment: pay per-pair contributions quarterly.
- Data Submission: report the number of pairs sold and collected annually.
Authorized representative
TreadLightly administrators liaise directly with participants; no external representative is required.Reporting Deadline
Annual Report: by 30 September each year, covering volumes sold and diverted.Who Assumes Responsibility
- Participant Brands: levy funding and data reporting.
- TreadLightly Scheme Operator: collection network management.
- Recycling Partners: material recovery and processing.
Duties of Each Group Who Is Responsible
- Brands/Retailers: enroll, fund, submit sales/collection data.
- Scheme Operator: facilitate drop-off, logistics, public awareness.
- Recyclers: process footwear into raw materials or upcycled products.
Extended producer responsibility for textile in Australia
Australia has begun rolling out EPR textile Australia through voluntary stewardship schemes, with reforms under consideration to make them mandatory. This approach promotes a shift to design-for-recycling and funds end-of-life management of clothing and home textiles.What the program includes
Current textile stewardship covers:- Clothing and apparel
- Footwear
- Household textiles (e.g., sheets, towels)
Who must register
Participation is voluntary. Brands, importers and retailers can register for:- Seamless Clothing Stewardship Scheme (clothing levy of 4 ¢ per garment)
- TreadLightly (sports footwear recovery)
Threshold
- Seamless CSS: levy of 4 cents per garment sold, irrespective of turnover.
- TreadLightly: no minimum sales volume; open to all footwear brands.
EPR registration procedure in Australia
- Online Registration: complete scheme application.
- Remit Levies: pay per-unit contributions monthly or quarterly.
- Annual Reporting: submit volumes sold and collections data by scheme deadlines.
Authorized representative
Not required: scheme administrators liaise directly with participants to manage compliance and data aggregation.Reporting Deadline
- Seamless CSS: annual report by 31 August.
- TreadLightly: annual volumes and diversion data by 30 September.
Who Assumes Responsibility?
- Scheme Participants: fund the program via levies.
- Scheme Bodies: operate collection networks and recycling infrastructure.
- Government: oversee and refine voluntary frameworks.
Duties of Each Group Who Is Responsible
- Participants: register, pay levies, provide sales data.
- Seamless CSS & TreadLightly: manage logistics, public education and reporting.
- Government Agencies: monitor outcomes, consult on mandatory expansion.
Extended producer responsibility for toys in Australia
As of 2025, Australia does not yet have a dedicated EPR scheme for toys. However, consultations are underway to assess waste volumes and potential stewardship approaches for plastic, electronic and textile-based toys.What the program includes
Potential future scope:- Plastic toys: durable and single-use.
- Electronic toys: batteries, e-waste.
- Fabric and plush toys: textiles and fillings.
Who must register
To be determined when a national or state scheme is formally announced.Threshold
To be defined in upcoming regulations or guidelines.EPR registration procedure in Australia
TBD pending official scheme design and consultation outcomes.Authorized representative
TBD based on final scheme structure.Reporting deadline
TBD once the scheme is launched.Who Assumes Responsibility
Likely brand owners/importers and appointed scheme administrator.Duties of Each Group Who Is Responsible
- Brand Owners: register, fund collection and recycling.
- Scheme Body: set collection targets, manage logistics.
- Recyclers: recover materials and report performance.
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