Battery Stewardship
The Responsible Battery Recycling Act holds the battery industry responsible for the collection, recycling, and proper end-of-life management of covered batteries.
Program News
CalRecycle will hold an informal public rulemaking workshop on May 29, 2025, to solicit feedback on the proposed regulations to implement the Responsible Battery Recycling Act. Visit the public notice for more information.
Written feedback may be submitted after the workshop by June 12, 2025, to CalRecycle’s Public Comment Portal or regulations@calrecycle.ca.gov.
Batteries can harm human health and the environment when not managed properly.
- An estimated 7,294 tons of batteries are improperly disposed of in California landfills annually.
- Batteries are the top cause of fires in California’s waste facilities, endangering lives and costing millions of dollars in damage.
- Batteries contain valuable and rare metals like copper, nickel, and lithium. Better collection would increase the recovery and use of these metals.
For more information, contact Batteries@calrecycle.ca.gov.
Upcoming Events
May 29, 2025
Battery Stewardship informal rulemaking workshop focused on:
- Statutory Overview of the Responsible Battery Recycling Act
- Rulemaking Process in California
- Summary of the Proposed Regulations
Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Byron Sher Auditorium (2nd Floor), 1001 “I” Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Attend in person or online:
Past Events
July 11, 2024
Battery Stewardship informal regulatory concept workshop focused on:
- Definitions
- State Agency Fees
- Enforcement-Related Provisions
- Request for Data to Support Economic Analysis
Agenda
Public Notice
Discussion Document
Presentation Slides
April 3, 2024
Battery Stewardship informal regulatory concept workshop focused on:
- Submittals
- Stewardship Plans
- Annual Reports
Agenda
Public Notice
Discussion Document
Presentation Slides
October 18, 2023
This informational session discussed:
- Statute
- Program Overview
- Rulemaking process
Californians use about 822 million batteries a year.
Covered Batteries
Include loose primary and rechargeable batteries:
- Sold separately from a product
- Individually packed with a product
- Designed to be easily removed from a product with no more than common household tools
Refer to PRC section 42420.1(d) for the definition of “covered battery.”
Does not include:
- Primary batteries over 2 kilograms
- Rechargeable batteries over 5 kilograms and 300 watt-hours
- Lead-acid batteries
- Motor vehicle batteries
- Fuel cell electrical generating facilities
- Medical devices used or prescribed by healthcare providers
- Recalled batteries
Anticipated Timeline
April 1, 2025
CalRecycle will adopt regulations taking effect no earlier than April 1, 2025.
120 Days After Regulations are Effective
CalRecycle will appoint an advisory body.
12 Months After Regulations are Effective
Program operators submit a stewardship plan to CalRecycle.
24 Months After Regulations are Effective
Program operators must have an approved stewardship plan.
12 Months After Plan Approval
Program operators must fully implement the approved stewardship plan.
Resources
- Earth 911: Where To Drop Off Batteries
- List of Covered Battery Producers and Brands (updated June 2023)
- DTSC: Universal Waste Batteries
- DTSC: Recycling Rechargeable Batteries
- Waste Banned from the Trash
- Your Local Curbside Recycling Information
- US EPA Memorandum: Lithium Battery Recycling Regulatory Status and FAQ
Embedded Batteries
For more information, contact Batteries@calrecycle.ca.gov.