How to Recycle Solar Panels in Australia: A State-by-State Guide

Australia leads the world in rooftop solar, but as these systems age, solar panel waste is fast becoming a national challenge. Most panels last 15 to 25 years, and as early systems reach end-of-life, the CSIRO estimates over 100,000 tonnes of panels will enter the waste stream every year by 2035.

Recycling solar panels is possible, but it requires specialist infrastructure. They can’t go into kerbside bins, council e-waste days or general skips. Their size, weight and layered materials demand careful disassembly and accredited recovery.

This guide explains what you need to know and how recycling works in your state.

Why Solar Panels Need Specialist Recycling

Unlike smaller electronics, solar panels are made from glass, aluminium, silicon, silver, copper and polymers — all tightly laminated together. They must be dismantled using mechanical and thermal processes, often under controlled conditions.

This means:

• Panels must be collected and processed at accredited facilities
• Valuable materials can be recovered and reused (up to 95%)
• The process reduces landfill, protects the environment, and supports a circular clean energy economy

 How Solar Panel Recycling Works

1. Pickup or Drop-Off – Panels are collected from your site or delivered to an approved location
2. Assessment – Panels are inspected to determine if they can be resold or recycled
3. Component Separation – Ecoactiv’s partners recover everything possible: glass, frames, silicon, wiring, polymers
4. Reuse or Material Recovery – Good-condition panels may be resold for reuse; all others are processed for materials recovery

✅ You don’t need to separate anything — Ecoactiv handles the entire recovery process

State-by-State: How to Recycle Solar Panels in Australia

Victoria

Victoria leads the country in solar installations and was one of the first to offer rebates through Solar Victoria. But despite growing solar uptake, no dedicated state-wide solar panel recycling program currently exists. Panels cannot be disposed of via council hard rubbish or traditional e-waste.

With increasing volumes expected in the next five years, the need for recovery infrastructure is pressing.

➡️ Recycle panels responsibly in Victoria

New South Wales

NSW has surpassed 1.3 million small-scale solar installations. But like most states, it lacks a centralised solar panel disposal scheme. Sydney councils vary widely in what they accept, and many residents are left guessing what to do when panels reach end-of-life.

There’s currently no mandated collection program, meaning specialist services are essential.

➡️ Find your solution in Sydney and across NSW

Queensland

Queensland’s solar boom has created a growing stockpile of ageing panels, especially across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. The state has no formal regulation or guidance for residential panel disposal, and commercial installers often have to coordinate their own recovery.

Projections show QLD will account for nearly 20% of the country’s panel waste by 2030.

➡️ Recycle panels across Brisbane and South East Queensland

Western Australia

WA’s rooftop solar capacity is growing fast, but its vast geography creates challenges for coordinated recycling. Perth leads adoption, yet most panels are still being sent to landfill due to a lack of regulated recovery pathways.

As more utility-scale solar is deployed, WA’s recycling capacity will need to scale rapidly.

➡️ Recycle responsibly in Perth and surrounding suburbs

South Australia

Adelaide has been at the forefront of solar uptake for over a decade. Thousands of systems installed before 2015 are now being replaced, but there’s still no statewide scheme to handle the volume of expired panels.

SA’s clean energy leadership depends on solving the end-of-life challenge with proper recovery programs.

➡️ Book accredited panel recycling in Adelaide

What to Know Before You Recycle

1. Don’t discard panels that might still be usable

Some panels may still have life left in them. As part of our Best Recovery Model, Ecoactiv assesses each panel:

• If it’s reusable, we will resell or donate it for reuse
• If not, we responsibly recycle every material we can recover

2. You don’t need to dismantle anything

Customers often ask if they need to remove the frame or disconnect internal wiring. You don’t — Ecoactiv manages the full separation and recovery process.

3. We recover as much as possible

Every part of the panel, from the frame to the cells, is processed to ensure maximum recovery of glass, aluminium, silicon and trace metals.

Where Can You Recycle Solar Panels in Australia?

There’s no government-run national recycling program for solar panels. General e-waste schemes don’t cover them either.

That’s why Ecoactiv exists. We provide:

• Pickup and drop-off services in every major city
• Panel sorting and condition assessment
• Certified transport and traceable recovery
• Access to accredited recycling facilities across Australia
  

➡️ Learn more about our national solar panel recycling service

Final Thoughts

Australia’s solar success story is only sustainable if it ends well.

As more panels reach retirement, we face a choice: landfill or recovery. At Ecoactiv, we’re committed to ensuring that solar continues to be a net-positive environmental solution, from installation to end-of-life.

Whether your panels are reusable, recyclable or retired, we’ll handle them the right way. For your home, your business and the planet.