Newcastle's Solar Panel Recycling Initiative

In a significant leap towards fostering environmental responsibility, PV Industries developed the Circular Solar Trial in collaboration with key partners, including the City of Newcastle, the Hunter Joint Organisation, and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to provide a state-of-the-art drop-off point for end-of-life solar panels at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

About PV Industries

PV Industries specialises in the collection, logistics, and recycling of end-of-life solar systems. Backed by $6.8M in Government grants, we lead innovation in solar panel recycling.

In collaboration with Australian research institutions, we’ve developed in-house technology that maximises material recovery and supports local manufacturing. Our unique process delivers cleaner, higher-value outputs than standard e-waste methods.

Key Features of the Drop-Off Point

• Convenient Location: The drop-off point is strategically located at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre, providing easy access for residents and businesses in Newcastle.
• Open to the Public: This facility is open to the public, allowing individuals and organizations to contribute to sustainable waste management practices.
• Expert Recycling Processes: The Summerhill Waste Management Centre has partnered with PV Industries with advanced recycling processes specifically designed for solar panels. This ensures that materials are efficiently separated and recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.

Please contact Summerhill Waste Management Centre regarding current pricing for disposal or refer to the website.  https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/living/waste-and-recycling/summerhill-waste-management-centre/fees-and-payment

Summerhill Waste Management Centre Operating Hours:

Monday 7:30 am–4:45 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am–4:45 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am–4:45 pm
Thursday 7:30 am–4:45 pm
Friday 7:30 am–4:45 pm
Saturday 9 am–2:45 pm
Sunday 9 am–2:45 pm

The Upper Hunter Shire Council has several waste management facilities across the shire that dispose, recycle and process waste for the citizens and businesses of the region. The Scone waste facility has a Tip Shop that repurposes household items for reuse and sale.

Complementing the Community Recycle Centre operations, and stepping up the commitment to reducing waste and increasing recycling, the Burragan Recycling Shop at Singleton Waste Management Facility is a facility that offers repurposed household items for sale.

CSIRO provides research and development that aids Australian industry using innovative science and technology. CSIRO has the required cross-disciplinary capabilities to address the gaps in Australia’s circular economy.

IQ Renew are an Australian recycler, using circular economy principles in finding the highest value recycling solution for recovered resources, with a particular focus on innovative solutions for glass and plastic, including transforming waste plastics into oil and waste glass into glass sand.

Sirron Holdings manufacture and distribute catering equipment and commercial dishwashing machines. Sirron Holdings is a case study in moving to a more circular economy by manufacturing equipment that lasts, with decade long warranties and aligned with right to repair principles, installing solar on the roof, bulk purchase and reusable packaging options, replaced bubble wrap with recycled cardboard by using a perforator machine to process waste cardboard.