Japan Cabinet approves bill for mandatory solar panel recycling

The Japanese government approved a bill on 13 April to enforce the recycling of end-of-life solar panels. The Act on Promotion of Recycling of Solar Cell Waste aims to establish a robust processing infrastructure ahead of a projected surge in solar waste during the late 2030s. This legislative move marks a formal shift in Japan’s renewable energy strategy.

Government estimates suggest that annual solar panel waste will increase significantly, reaching a peak of approximately 500,000 tonnes. Officials warned that relying solely on landfill disposal would exhaust the capacity of final disposal sites and disrupt national waste management systems.

Under the proposed legislation, the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry will draft a basic policy. This document will define the roles of the state, local governments, and private businesses to ensure a planned transition toward resource circulation.

The bill focuses primarily on business-scale solar power facilities. Operators intending to dispose of solar cells above a specific size must submit a disposal plan in advance. This plan includes details on how the materials will be recycled. The government maintains the authority to demand changes to these plans during a 30-day review period if the recycling measures are deemed insufficient.

The regulations also extend to the manufacturing and sales sectors. Manufacturers and distributors must adhere to eco-design principles and provide detailed information regarding hazardous substances contained within the panels. This requirement ensures that products are easier to recycle at the end of their functional life.

To support the recycling industry, the government will introduce special measures for certified wide-area collection and recycling plans. Certified operators will be exempt from requiring individual waste disposal permits from every local municipality. Furthermore, storage standards will be relaxed to reduce operational costs and accelerate the processing of materials.

Currently, the high cost of recycling compared to landfilling remains a significant barrier. The government intends to implement these regulations in stages, starting with large-scale business operators, before considering an expansion of the scope. The law is scheduled to take effect within 18 months of its promulgation.