Quick answer
It depends on the state. In Victoria, solar panels are classed as e-waste and have been banned from landfill since 1 July 2019. South Australia and the ACT restrict e-waste to landfill, and Western Australia is phasing in e-waste rules from 2024. New South Wales has no outright ban yet, but is leading work toward a national scheme. Everywhere, sending panels to landfill is the worst option — they are recoverable and, in commercial quantities, treated as e-waste.
State-by-state rules (2026)
Rules differ by jurisdiction and are changing, so treat the table below as a guide and confirm current requirements for your state before disposing of panels in bulk.
| State / territory | Panels to landfill? | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Banned | E-waste to landfill ban, since 1 July 2019 |
| South Australia | Restricted | E-waste to landfill restrictions |
| ACT | Restricted | E-waste to landfill restrictions |
| Western Australia | Phasing in | E-waste regulations from 2024; panel ban anticipated in later phases |
| NSW | No outright ban yet | Leading national reuse & recycling scheme work |
| QLD / TAS / NT | No outright ban yet | General waste duty-of-care applies |
Victoria’s position is set out on the state’s end-of-life solar guidance, and the direction of national policy is described by NSW and the federal government.
Why panels shouldn’t go to landfill
Two reasons. First, value: a panel is around 95% recoverable material, so landfill throws away glass, aluminium and silicon that can be recycled — see can you recycle solar panels. Second, regulation: panels contain small amounts of metals and, in several jurisdictions, are classified as e-waste, which is exactly the stream landfill bans target.
What’s expected of businesses
Commercial and construction waste generally carries a duty of care: you are expected to use a legitimate collection and recovery pathway and to be able to show where the waste went. For a site clearing dozens of panels, that means using a collector who documents the pickup rather than mixing panels into general skip waste. ReSova records every collection on a job docket for exactly this reason.
What to do instead
The straightforward alternative is on-site collection. Disconnect and stack the panels safely, note the quantity and condition, then book a collection. In Sydney, ReSova collects from homes and job sites, documents the pickup and sorts panels for reuse or recycling. Get an indicative price with the online estimator, or read how to prepare panels in the disposal guide.
Key takeaways
- Victoria has banned solar panels from landfill (as e-waste) since 1 July 2019 — the only outright ban so far.
- South Australia and the ACT restrict e-waste to landfill; Western Australia is phasing in e-waste rules from 2024.
- NSW has no outright ban yet but is leading work on a national product-stewardship scheme.
- Even without a ban, landfill is discouraged: panels are recoverable and, in bulk, classified as e-waste.
- The responsible alternative is on-site collection, then assessment for reuse or recycling.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to put solar panels in landfill in Australia?
In Victoria, yes — solar panels are e-waste and banned from landfill since 1 July 2019. Other states restrict e-waste to varying degrees rather than an outright panel ban, and a national product-stewardship scheme is being developed. Regardless of a specific ban, landfill is discouraged because panels are recoverable.
Can I put a few household solar panels in my normal bin?
No. Full-size panels do not belong in a household bin, and in several states they are classified as e-waste. Arrange a proper collection or drop-off and disclose any damage first.
Do businesses have extra obligations for solar panel waste?
Generally yes. Commercial and construction waste is subject to duty-of-care and, in bulk, e-waste rules; businesses are expected to use a legitimate collection and recovery pathway and keep a record of where the panels went.
What's the alternative to landfill for old panels?
On-site collection followed by assessment: panels in good condition are considered for reuse, and the rest are directed to recycling or recovery. In Sydney, ReSova collects, documents and sorts panels this way.
Get a collection estimate
ReSova collects old solar panels on site across Sydney, then sorts them for reuse or recycling. Check coverage and pricing for your postcode, or talk to the team.