State Battery Recycling Laws Expanding Across U.S.

A large number of states either have passed or are considering mandatory battery recycling laws, known as “extended producer responsibility,” or EPR laws for batteries. These laws can impact lighting manufacturers that include handheld remote controls or potentially stand alone smart control components containing batteries.

By 2027, more than 61 million Americans will live in states that require recycling of all household batteries—up from fewer than one million in 2024. This represents a major expansion of state-level battery recycling mandates and signals a period of rapid growth for the battery recycling industry, according to U.S. Census and state data compiled by Call2Recycle.

These household battery recycling requirements obligate manufacturers and retailers to participate in an approved program for all household batteries, including both single-use and rechargeable types. The emerging regulations mark a significant step toward a nationwide increase in battery recycling access and participation.

At present, Washington, D.C. is the only jurisdiction with a requirement in place, covering less than one million residents. However, enacted legislation in California, Washington, and Illinois will extend similar programs to more than 60 million additional residents as their regulations take effect over the next year.

Beyond these states, pending or proposed legislation could further expand household battery recycling requirements to another 68 million Americans, potentially covering up to 129 million people nationwide by 2027.

The battery recycling industry will have to scale up significantly. Key areas of growth will include expanding convenient drop-off locations, boosting recycling and processing capacity, strengthening transportation logistics, and developing larger, more efficient facilities.

The map above shows states in blue that already have state battery recycling requirements in effect. The green states require producers to offer or fund battery recycling. Grey states don’t yet have requirements.

More information is available here.

Image above courtesy of Battery Network.

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and Senior Business Development Consultant at Capacity Consulting, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has been co-chair of the ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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