Oregon lawmakers pass battery recycling bill

Oregon legislature has recently passed House Bill 4144, which requires producers of batteries or battery-containing products to join a battery producer responsibility organization (PRO) and implement a battery producer responsibility program for the collection and recycling of batteries. 

Acting as an agent for battery-containing product producers, the battery PRO will develop and implement a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approved battery producer responsibility program, which is a statewide program for the responsible management of covered batteries. 

Covered battery refers to portable and medium-sized batteries, with some exceptions such as those in medical devices or vehicles. 

The bill requires a battery producer responsibility program plan to describe how the battery PRO will implement a program that satisfies the bill requirements. Among these requirements are: 

For portable batteries, convenient and equitable service must include a network of collection sites to ensure that 95 percent of Oregon residents are within 15 miles of a collection site.  

RELATED: Oregon approves EPR program plan 

HB 4144 states that a battery PRO must provide collection sites with fair financial compensation and enter into agreements with all willing transfer stations, landfills, household hazardous waste facilities and material recovery facilities (MRFs). 

Section 9 of the bill requires public education and awareness, meaning battery PROs will develop educational resources and conduct public awareness activities across multiple types of media to advertise and promote battery recycling and collection opportunities on a regular basis. 

The organizations also will submit an annual report to DEQ on the development, implementation and operation of the battery producer responsibility program. The department will review and approve the report or provide a written notice with reason for rejection. 

DEQ will have the power to enter and inspect any public or private property for the purpose of investigating any suspected or actual violation of the bill. 

Oregon battery PROs need to submit a program plan to DEQ for approval by Sept. 1, 2028. The bill states that the program must be operational by July 1, 2029. 

Similar bills 

Maryland HB 992 was introduced Feb. 6 and is currently in committee. The bill alters the content and use of the state recycling trust, establishing a separate covered electronic device producer responsibility program plan within the fund. 

This alters certain provisions of law relating to registration fees for manufacturers of electronic devices, prohibiting manufacturers from selling or offering sale of certain electronic devices.  

HB 992 requires entities to consult with DEQ to develop educational materials and establish an electronic device producer responsibility program to facilitate the collection and recycling, refurbishment or reuse of certain electronic devices in Maryland. 

New Hampshire HB 1602 was introduced Jan. 7 and is in committee. This bill creates a safe battery recycling stewardship program that requires the safe collection, recycling and management of covered batteries and battery-containing products.  

Similar to Oregon HB 4144, HB 1602 states that producers of covered batteries must participate in an approved stewardship organization and plan. Retailers will be prohibited from selling batteries from producers that do not participate in an approved plan. 

The plan must include provisions for free, convenient and accessible battery collection sites statewide, education and outreach efforts, performance goals and environmentally sound management practices. 

Battery stewardship organizations must fund all program costs including collection, transportation, processing, education and administrative expenses.  

The program covers various types of portable and medium-format batteries and aims to improve battery recycling rates while ensuring safety and environmental responsibility.  

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) will oversee the program, review plans, maintain a public list of participating producers and provide technical assistance.