The rapid uptake of renewable energy systems has presented a significant and growing waste challenge, with our advocacies including the promotion of greater recycling and waste management systems to address this. On updating the new Minister for Environment following the 2024 State Election, we included the need for Queensland to establish a recycling life cycle for wind turbines regarding the fibreglass blades. The minister provided the below response in italics:
While a large portion of wind turbine systems such as the steel mast and electrical components can be recycled, the plastic polymer blades currently pose a recycling challenge due to technical and economic limitations.
We understand the challenges posed, which is why in our submission to the Waste Strategy 2025-2030, Sandy highlighted the importance of the government investing in research and the development of strategies and infrastructure to meet the challenge of recycling these blades. In addition, we reiterated the need to include wind turbine components, particularly the blades, within the scope of the current draft E-Products Action Plan mentioned in our August 2023 Noosa 360 update.
A landfill ban is also needed for solar panels, as done in Victoria, South Australia, and the ACT, accompanied by an increased capacity for panel recycling in Queensland. This, as despite having dedicated recycling facilities, there remains a significant number of solar panels ending up in landfill each year.
With increasingly a need for ‘whole of product life’ stewardship for multiple products, Sandy raised the need for an inquiry in a recent parliamentary speech, and we will continue to monitor the progress and update the community accordingly. Please see our Noosa 360 update at https://www.sandybolton.com/waste-management-and-plastics-recycling-update-2025/ for more information.
Further information
For our previous update on this, please visit www.sandybolton.com/recycling-waste-from-renewable-energy-projects-solar-panels-wind-turbines-august-2023.
Direct advocacy regarding this or any other matters related to the Environment can be directed to the QLD Minster for Environment via environment@ministerial.qld.gov.au and please cc’ our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.