Free riding impedes results

Currently the cost of managing handheld batteries at the end of their life is borne by state and local government, and ultimately the community through taxes and rates. Industry has continued to avoid taking responsibility for disposal of their products in part due to a very real concern by industry leaders that to enter into a scheme could put them at a disadvantage in what is a very competitive industry. However, what this ultimately means is that industry in general is free riding. This scheme will allow industry leaders to avoid the free rider status and become part of an Australian wide solution.