Product stewardship extends the responsibility for environmental impact of a product to everyone involved in its life-cycle; not only manufacturers but also retailers, consumers and recyclers etc.

The Product Stewardship Bill 2011 was passed by Parliament on 22 June 2011. It provides the framework to effectively manage the environmental, health and safety impacts of products in Australia. It forms part of the National Waste Policy and includes voluntary, co-regulatory and mandatory product stewardship.

The first scheme to be established is the national television and computer recycling scheme where manufacturers will take back their products for reuse or remanufacture.

See http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/national-waste-policy/product-stewardship