iQ Renew

Basic Information

Applicant Type: Organisation

Organisation Name: iQ Renew

Main Questions

Problem Solution

The Problem

The waste and recycling industry faces a critical safety crisis with battery-related fires posing severe risks to collection vehicles, processing facilities, workers, and communities. Fire and Rescue NSW reported alarming 2023 statistics: a 27% increase in collection vehicle fires and 55% increase in facility fires.

These incidents stem from batteries - both loose and embedded in electronic devices - being incorrectly disposed of in kerbside bins. The problem escalates due to poor consumer education, lack of detection systems, increasing battery-powered device volumes, and inadequate accountability from manufacturers and consumers.

Consequences extend beyond statistics: drivers face life-threatening situations, valuable recycling infrastructure is destroyed, environmental damage occurs from toxic fires, and insurance costs escalate industry-wide. Reported figures likely underrepresent the true scope.

Our Solution/Idea

iQRenew proposes/recommends implementing RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology to create a comprehensive battery detection and management system preventing hazardous items from entering collection vehicles and processing facilities.

Core Components

1. RFID Tag Integration: Batteries tagged with unique identifiers (stickers) containing essential data (battery type, serial number, size, disposal requirements)

2. Vehicle-Mounted Scanners: Collection trucks equipped with RFID scanning technology to detect tagged batteries in kerbside bins before collection

3. Real-Time Alert System: Tablet-based interface provides immediate alerts when hazardous items are detected, enabling crews to reject contaminated bins

4. Data Management Platform: Centralized system for monitoring disposal patterns, tracking compliance, and generating safety analytics

Process:

- Batteries receive RFID tags during manufacturing/retail
- Collection vehicles scan bins during regular routes
- System identifies batteries using predefined masks
- Contaminated bins are flagged for proper disposal through appropriate channels
- Data collected improves education and compliance programs

Transformative Impact:

This solution addresses the problem at its source through prevention rather than reaction. By identifying hazardous items before they enter collection vehicles, we eliminate the primary cause of battery-related fires while creating accountability throughout the battery lifecycle.

Our approach represents a paradigm shift from reactive fire suppression to proactive risk elimination, making waste collection safer for workers and communities while protecting valuable recycling infrastructure and enabling data-driven improvements to waste management practices industry-wide.

Impact

Direct Impact on Queensland's Waste and Recycling Industry

Enhanced Worker Safety:

Queensland's waste industry employs thousands across collection and processing operations. Our RFID battery detection system will significantly reduce fire-related incidents, protecting Queensland workers from life-threatening situations and reducing workplace injuries affecting collection vehicles and processing facilities statewide.

Infrastructure Protection:

Queensland hosts numerous Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and recycling operations representing millions in infrastructure investment. Battery-related fires cause devastating facility damage and operational shutdowns. Our solution protects these valuable assets, ensuring continuity of essential waste services across Queensland communities.

Industry Leadership Position:

Implementing this technology positions Queensland as Australia's leader in waste management innovation, attracting investment, technology partnerships, and industry expertise while creating opportunities for Queensland-based companies to lead national expansion.
Economic Benefits

Cost Reductions:

Reduced fire incidents lower insurance premiums for Queensland waste operators
Preventing vehicle and facility fires saves replacement costs for collection trucks and processing equipment
Fewer emergency shutdowns maintain consistent service delivery

Job Creation:

Implementation requires technical specialists, system operators, and maintenance crews, creating skilled employment opportunities and establishing Queensland expertise in RFID waste management technology.

Revenue Generation:

The system enables battery disposal fees and manufacturer levies through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), generating revenue streams for ongoing waste management improvements and infrastructure development.
Environmental and Community Impact

Environmental Protection:

Battery fires release toxic chemicals into Queensland's air and waterways. Our prevention system protects local ecosystems, reduces environmental remediation costs, and supports sustainability goals - particularly important for protecting the Great Barrier Reef and sensitive coastal environments from toxic runoff.

Community Safety:

Queensland communities face risks from collection vehicle fires on residential streets and toxic facility fires. Our system eliminates these public safety hazards, protecting Queensland families and reducing emergency service callouts.

Circular Economy Support:

Proper battery segregation and disposal supports Queensland's circular economy transition, enabling better resource recovery and reducing waste to landfill statewide.
Industry Transformation Opportunities

Scalability Leadership:

Queensland's diverse regions - from Brisbane and Gold Coast to regional centers - provide ideal testing grounds for system scalability, with success demonstrating national rollout viability.

Technology Export Potential:

Queensland can become a technology exporter, licensing RFID waste detection systems to other states and international markets, creating additional economic benefits while establishing Queensland as a global waste management technology leader.

Policy Innovation:

Queensland can pioneer regulatory frameworks for mandatory battery RFID tagging, influencing national policy development and establishing the state as the policy leader in hazardous waste management innovation.

Business Model

Company Overview:

iQRenew is an Australian recycling company committed to creating the highest value recycling solutions for recovered resources, including soft plastics, rigid plastics, glass, paper, and cardboard. Our vision is "regeneration for future generations" through true circularity of materials and innovative recycling infrastructure investment under our motto "Intelligent Australian Recycling."
Operational Scale and Capabilities:

Material Recovery Facility on NSW Central Coast processing household 'yellow bin' recycling from over 1 million households
Operations across 6 sites within NSW with direct daily interactions across multiple additional sites

Key customers include Central Coast Council, Newcastle City Council, Tamworth Regional Council, and Sydney's Northern Beaches Councils
Longstanding contracts with major industry players: Cleanaway, Opal, Visy, Veolia, and Infrabuild.

Proven Innovation Leadership:

Our Glass recycling site in Wyong was Australia's first of its kind, holding a patent on technology developed to double wash refined glass sand. This innovation enabled us to assist the NSW Government transport infrastructure team in developing achievable targets for recovered commodities in road construction.

Our Soft Plastic Facility near Taree is Australia's First at scale solution and is currently processing the nation's legacy stockpiles from the RedCycle collapse in collaboration with the National taskforce and recently winning the WCRA Presidents Award 2025.

We've presented our battery project at industry safety summits, receiving commendation and solidifying our position at the forefront of recycling innovation.

Organisational Strengths:

iQRenew operates with an inclusive culture where suggestions from CEO to yard hands are genuinely considered and trialed. This environment fosters critical thinking and continuous improvement, enabling collaborative relationships with all stakeholders essential for ongoing project development post initial implementation.

Proposed Business Model:

Phase 1: Technology Development and Validation (Months 1-12)

Partner with established technology providers (4ID Solutions) for RFID system development and integration
Conduct comprehensive 6-month controlled trial on Central Coast NSW or another Queensland MRF operator.
Deploy battery replica devices with RFID tags across diverse household demographics and socioeconomic groups
Collect and analyze detection rates, segregation accuracy, operational challenges, and cost-effectiveness metrics
Engage Fire and Rescue NSW or Queensland Fire and regulatory bodies for validation and feedback

Phase 2: Commercial Deployment and Scaling (Months 13-36)

License proven RFID detection technology to waste collection companies across Australia
Establish mandatory RFID tagging partnerships with battery manufacturers, importers, and distributors
Develop comprehensive training programs for waste industry workforce and emergency response personnel
Create industry certification standards for RFID-equipped collection vehicles and facilities

Revenue Generation Strategy:

Primary Revenue Streams:

Technology Licensing: License RFID battery detection systems to waste management companies nationally
Equipment Supply: Provide RFID scanners, tags, integration hardware, and tablet interfaces
Service Contracts: Deliver ongoing maintenance, software updates, technical support, and system optimization
Training and Certification: Comprehensive workforce training programs and safety certification services
Data Analytics and Compliance: Waste stream analytics, compliance reporting, and regulatory monitoring services

Secondary Revenue Streams:

Consultation Services: Regulatory compliance and system implementation consulting
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Administration: Manage manufacturer levy collection and compliance monitoring

Sustainable Funding Model:

Initial Development: Grant funding through challenges like WRIQ and government innovation programs
Scaling Phase: Industry partnerships with major waste management companies for joint investment
Long-term Sustainability: Extended Producer Responsibility levies from manufacturers, importers, and distributors as mandated by the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020
Revenue Diversification: User fines for improper disposal after three rejections, generating compliance revenue while encouraging responsible behavior

Market Penetration and Scalability:

Queensland Pilot: Leverage existing industry relationships for rapid Queensland deployment
National Expansion: Proven success metrics enable expansion to other Australian states
International Opportunities: Technology licensing to global waste management markets
Integration Capability: Seamless integration with existing waste management software and fleet management systems

Competitive Advantages:

Proven Innovation Track Record: Patent-holding company with demonstrated ability to develop and commercialize recycling technology
Established Industry Networks: Deep relationships with councils, major waste companies, and regulatory bodies
Operational Expertise: Direct experience operating Material Recovery Facilities processing over 1 million households
Regulatory Positioning: Strong support from Fire and Rescue NSW and industry stakeholders
Adaptive Culture: Inclusive environment enabling rapid technology adoption, improvement, and stakeholder collaboration

Risk Mitigation:

Technology partnership with established RFID providers reduces development risk
Phased implementation allows for refinement before full-scale deployment
Multiple revenue streams provide financial stability
Strong regulatory support ensures policy alignment

Supporting Documentation Portfolio:

Fire and Rescue NSW formal support letter confirming critical project relevance
Industry stakeholder endorsements from councils and ACOR and WCRA
Patent documentation demonstrating innovation capability in recycling technology
Existing customer contracts with major councils and waste management companies
Technology partnership agreements with RFID solution provider

Market Readiness

Current TRL Level: 4-5 (Technology Validation in Laboratory/Relevant Environment)

Our RFID battery detection solution sits between TRL 4 and TRL 5.

The core RFID technology components are proven and commercially available - RFID tags, scanners, and data management systems are established technologies successfully deployed in various industries. However, their specific application for battery detection in waste collection vehicles represents a novel integration requiring validation.

TRL 4 Elements (Completed):

- RFID technology components identified and validated in laboratory settings
- Battery replica devices with RFID tags developed and tested
- System architecture designed for waste collection vehicle integration
- Partnerships established with technology providers (4ID Solutions)
- Proof-of-concept demonstrations completed

TRL 5 Elements (In Progress):

- Technology validated in relevant environment (waste collection operations)
- Initial system integration with collection vehicle platforms
- Preliminary testing with actual waste collection scenarios

What have you piloted so far?

Completed Pilot Activities:
- Technology Integration Testing: Successfully integrated RFID scanners with tablet-based alert systems in controlled environments
- Battery Replica Development: Created battery replica devices equipped with RFID tags that accurately simulate real batteries for testing purposes
- System Architecture Validation: Confirmed RFID detection capabilities using predefined masks (e.g., "4ID17") to distinguish batteries from other tagged items
- Stakeholder Engagement: Secured support letters from Fire and Rescue NSW, councils, and industry partners, validating market need and regulatory support
- Initial Detection Testing: Preliminary testing of RFID tag detection rates in simulated waste collection scenarios

Proof-of-Concept Results:
- RFID tags successfully detected at collection distances
- System accurately identifies battery-specific tag signatures
- Real-time alert system functional on tablet interfaces
- Data collection and management platform operational

What testing and piloting still needs to be done before it's commercially ready?

Phase 1: Comprehensive Field Trial (Months 1-6)

- Large-scale deployment: Central Coast NSW trial for IQR MRF or another Queenland MRF with diverse household demographics across various socioeconomic areas
- Detection accuracy validation: Measure RFID tag detection rates under real-world collection conditions (weather, speed, bin positioning)
- Operational integration testing: Assess impact on collection route efficiency and driver workflow
- System reliability assessment: Evaluate equipment durability under daily collection operations
- False positive/negative analysis: Refine detection algorithms to minimize system errors

Phase 2: Commercial Readiness Validation (Months 7-12)

- Multi-vehicle fleet testing: Scale testing across different collection vehicle types and manufacturers
- Integration compatibility: Ensure seamless integration with existing waste management software systems
- Training program development: Create comprehensive driver and operator training modules
- Maintenance protocol establishment: Develop preventive maintenance schedules and troubleshooting procedures
- Regulatory compliance validation: Confirm adherence to heavy vehicle safety regulations and waste management standards

Phase 3: Market Preparation (Months 13-18)

- Cost optimisation: Refine system components for commercial cost-effectiveness
- Supply chain establishment: Secure reliable component suppliers and manufacturing partnerships
- Quality assurance protocols: Implement testing and certification standards for system reliability
- Customer pilot programs: Deploy systems with early adopter waste management companies

Anticipated timeframes for product development:

Estimated number of weeks' notice needed to run a pilot: 12-16 weeks

Preparation Requirements:

- Technology provider contract agreement (4 weeks)
- Local government approvals and permits (6-8 weeks)
- Collection vehicle modifications and equipment installation (4-6 weeks)
- Staff training and safety protocol implementation (2-3 weeks)
- Community notification and engagement (3-4 weeks)
- Concurrent activities reduce total preparation time to 12-16 weeks

Estimated number of weeks the pilot would take: 26 weeks (6 months)

Pilot Phase Breakdown:

- Initial deployment and system calibration (2 weeks)
- Data collection and monitoring period (20 weeks)
- Analysis and evaluation period (3 weeks)
- Reporting and stakeholder feedback (1 week)

Rationale: Six months provides sufficient data across seasonal variations, diverse waste generation patterns, and operational conditions to validate system effectiveness and identify optimization opportunities.

Estimated number of weeks from pilot to commercial launch: 52-78 weeks (12-18 months)

Development Timeline:

- Pilot analysis and system refinement: 8-12 weeks
- Technology optimization and scaling preparation: 16-20 weeks
- Regulatory approvals and certification: 12-16 weeks
- Manufacturing and supply chain establishment: 12-16 weeks
- Market preparation and early customer onboarding: 8-12 weeks
- Commercial launch preparation: 4-6 weeks

Critical Path Factors:

- Regulatory approval processes may extend timelines
- Technology optimization complexity based on pilot results
- Manufacturing scale-up requirements
- Market adoption readiness and customer preparation

Fast-Track Potential: With strong pilot results and expedited regulatory support, commercial readiness could be achieved within 12 months. However, 18 months provides realistic buffer for comprehensive market preparation and ensures robust commercial deployment.

Team

iQRenew's Proven Commercial Track Record

Large-Scale Operations Management:
iQRenew successfully operates a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on the NSW Central Coast, processing household 'yellow bin' recycling from over 1 million households daily. This demonstrates our capability to manage complex, large-scale recycling operations with consistent service delivery and quality control.

Multi-Site Commercial Operations:
We currently operate across 6 sites within NSW with direct daily interactions across multiple additional sites, showcasing our ability to scale operations, maintain quality standards, and coordinate complex logistics across diverse geographic locations.

Major Client Portfolio Management:

- Central Coast Council
- Newcastle City Council
- Tamworth Regional Council
- Northern Beaches Councils
- Willoughby Council
- Mosman Council
- Processing material for the National Plastics Taskforce and AFGC

These longstanding municipal contracts demonstrate our reliability in delivering essential public services and maintaining stakeholder relationships critical for operational success.

We maintain successful commercial relationships with major industry players:

- Cleanaway (Australia's largest waste management company)
- Opal (major recycling services provider)
- Visy (packaging and recycling giant)
- Veolia (global environmental services leader)
- Infrabuild (major construction materials supplier)
- Boral (Industry Leader in Recycling and Circular Materials solutions (CMS)

These partnerships evidence our ability to collaborate effectively with industry leaders and integrate within complex supply chains.