Many states are implementing battery recycling legislation, and California is preparing to change its battery-bearing device regulations. Nearly 100 percent of consumer electronics, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and EVs, rely on lithium-ion batteries for power. As technology becomes more prevalent and continues to evolve rapidly, the e-waste crisis and the dangers LIBs present will continue to grow. As a result, many states in the US are implementing legislation that deals with battery-bearing devices and how they are disposed of, and California is gearing up to make changes that will enable manufacturers to be reimbursed for responsible battery disposition.
In 2022, lawmakers approved Senate Bill 1215 directing the State Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, CalRecycle, to incorporate new types of battery-bearing devices into the state program. Approved recycling companies can submit claims to be reimbursed for collecting and processing specific devices under California’s electronics recycling program. Reimbursement funds will be pulled from consumer fees on those devices at the point of sale. As the oldest program in the country, California’s e-scrap program continues to expand the types of devices it covers and defines a covered battery-containing device as anything that has a battery the user can’t remove with no more than commonly used household tools. Exceptions to the 2022 legislation include medical devices used in healthcare settings or prescribed by healthcare providers, vaping devices, or energy storage systems used in power generation.
Responsible Battery Disposal is Crucial
Lithium-ion batteries are considered the most dangerous due to their explosive nature. Battery-bearing devices, especially LIBs, are considered hazardous waste because of the dangers they present when not disposed of properly. These batteries undergo self-discharge, leading to a thermal runaway if not controlled. A damaged cell can allow impurities to penetrate, leading to a significant electrical shortage. During a thermal runaway, the heat from a failed cell can spread to the next one, making it also thermally unstable.
Responsible E-Waste Disposition
Battery legislation and recycling programs encourage responsible e-waste disposal and help prevent it from ending up in landfills where battery fires can potentially destroy surrounding homes. ITAD providers like HOBI partner with companies for safe, environmentally sound IT asset disposition and a range of end-of-use services, including data security, data center services, and reverse logistics.
Manufacturers have until July 2025 to submit lists of their battery-containing products that will be covered or exempt under the new rules, and the agency will open a seven-day public comment period Dec. 3 on the CalRecycle website before regulations go into effect.