Relates to establishing a product stewardship program for primary batteries

2 Co-sponsors

• David Carlucci
• George Latimer

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to establishing a product stewardship program for primary batteries

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish a battery recycling program for consumers.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill would:

*define relevant terms including "primary battery," which would mean a non rechargeable battery, including alkaline, carbon-zinc, and lithium metal, weighing two kilograms or less;

*prohibit the sale of primary batteries unless the producer is registered with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and has an approved battery stewardship plan;

*require battery stewardship plans to include:

o all producers and contact information; o brands of batteries covered by the plan; o free collection from consumers; o method of disposition; o a description of roles and responsibilities; and, o education and outreach

*require a producer to submit an annual report to DEC; and, *establish parameters for DEC involvement to include:

o plan approval; o website posting of all proposed and approved plans; o maintenance of producer names and brands on the DEC website; and, o receipt of producer registration fees.

Justification

This legislation would authorize New York to expand its recycling efforts beyond rechargeable batteries to address other types of batteries by requiring battery manufacturers to establish a consumer collection program. Batteries contain metals such as zinc, steel and manganese that can be recycled, helping to reduce the need for mining and refining. Several other states including Vermont and Connecticut have adopted battery recycling programs.

Prior legislative history

This is new legislation.

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

Minimal State fiscal implications.

Effective date

This act shall take effect 180 days after enactment.