Port Macquarie Hastings Council is excited to deliver a free residential solar panel recycling trial to our region.
In partnership with Midwaste, the trial allows household solar panels to be dropped off at PMHC waste facilities at no cost. They’ll then be recycled right here in Australia! The trial will run for approximately six months, depending on the volume of panels received.
Why is solar panel recycling important?
Solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years, but they gradually lose efficiency as they age. As more households adopt solar energy, Australia is seeing a rapid increase in end-of-life solar panels—currently over 2 million per year.
The good news? Up to 95% of solar panel materials can be recovered and reused. Components like aluminium, glass, silicon cells, silver and copper are salvaged during recycling and used to create new products—including new solar panels—helping to support a circular economy.
How to recycle your old solar panels
What is (and isn't) accepted for recycling:
What we can accept:
Up to 20 panels per household All panel types, including:
- Monofacial (1.7m x 1m, typical household panels)
- Thin film panels
- Bifacial (glass-on-glass)
All associated components including inverters, cables, junction boxes
Tip: Panels should be intact where possible, as these are far more efficient and cost-effective to recycle. Damaged panels may not be recycled.
What we can’t accept:
✘ More than 20 panels per household per day
✘ Solar system batteries of any kind
This is a residential trial, so unfortunately we can’t accept panels from businesses or installers replacing panels as part of a service. If you have more than 20 panels, please call Council on 0427 837 177 to discuss options.
Where to take them
Solar panels can be accepted for the free recycling trial at all the PMHC Waste Facilities except Comboyne. See Waste facility locations Port Macquarie Hastings Council for location and opening hours.
Want to know more?
Visit MidWaste FREE Solar Panel Recycling Trial for more information.
