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Part of Search public engagements

Solar panel reuse and recycling engagement

Renewable energy stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations provided input on end-of-life management of solar panels.

Overview

We collected input from stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations to help identify policies and programs that support the responsible end-of-life management of solar panels.

With solar panel use increasing, and more panels approaching the end of their usable life, we need a plan to responsibly manage these materials and keep them from ending up in our landfills.

Feedback will provide Alberta-specific insights into the opportunities and challenges related to the reuse and recycling of solar panels. It will also help identify current end-of-life practices and inform policy considerations to enhance reuse and recycling.

Status

  • Open

  • Results under review

  • Completed

Who is listening

Environment and Protected Areas

Get informed

For years, Alberta’s electronic recycling program was limited mainly to computers and televisions. In August 2024, following a successful pilot project, Alberta’s Electronics Designation Regulation was amended to add additional products to the regulated recycling program, including:

  • power tools
  • audio visual devices
  • lawn and garden equipment
  • games
  • toys
  • musical instruments
  • small appliances
  • telecommunications devices

At the same time solar panels, electric vehicle batteries and wind turbine electrical components were also added as a first step to establish Alberta’s intent to recycle these materials when they reach end-of-life, avoiding disposal in landfill and advancing our circular economy.

A circular economy is a way of using resources to minimize waste. Instead of throwing things away, they are reused, repaired, recycled and repurposed for as long as possible.

Indigenous engagement

Indigenous communities and organizations that have solar renewable energy projects or who are operators of solar renewable energy systems were invited to share feedback through meetings and written submissions.

Stakeholder engagement

Renewable energy stakeholders with an interest in solar panel reuse and recycling were invited to share feedback through meetings and written submissions.

Outcomes

Input will inform recommendations on the next steps for developing policy options and programs to support the reuse and recycling of solar panels.

Contact

Connect with the Solar Panel Reuse and Recycling engagement:
Email: [email protected]