SB 1215 Covered Battery-Embedded Products
Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 1215 into law to reduce battery fires and injuries to sanitation workers and to ensure that batteries are collected for recycling rather than ending up in the waste stream.
SB 1215 amends the Electronic Waste Recycling Act and adds covered battery-embedded products to the CEW Recycling Program.
Covered battery-embedded product (CBEP) means a product covered in this program that contains a battery that is not designed to be easily removed by the user with no more than commonly used household tools.
The following products are excluded from the scope of the CEW Recycling Program:
- Certain medical devices
- Existing covered electronic devices (video display devices)
- Certain energy storage systems
- Electronic nicotine delivery systems
This webpage provides only an overview of the main provisions of SB 1215 as it pertains to the Covered Electronic Waste (CEW) Recycling Program and is not intended to replace a thorough review of the text of SB 1215.
Where to Recycle?
Use the eRecycle directory to find a local e-waste collector.
Outreach and Education Resources
Jurisdiction Resources
- San Mateo County
- ReGen Monterey
- Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority
Notice: Videos on this website and links may show both battery-embedded products and loose batteries.
- A battery-embedded product is a product with a non-user-removable battery that now carries a fee under the law (SB 1215) and is included in the Covered Electronic Waste Recycling Program.
- Loose batteries are separate batteries not permanently installed and are not subject to the battery-embedded product fee. For information on loose batteries, visit the loose battery program page.
Timeline
2025
- By January 1, 2025, CalRecycle to establish a process for CEW recyclers to submit payment claims for CBEP waste.
- By July 1, 2025, manufacturers of CBEPs must list covered products and exempt products in an annual notice to California retailers and CalRecycle.
- By October 1, 2025, CalRecycle will establish a CEW recycling fee for CBEPs.
2026
- Beginning on January 1, 2026, consumers will pay the recycling fee for CBEPs at the time of purchase.
- The covered products must be labeled with the name or brand of the manufacturer and with information identifying the battery’s chemistry or include that information on the manufacturer’s website.
- On April 1, 2026, the CEW Recycling Program will begin accepting payment claims for CBEP waste collected on or after January 1, 2026.
- Beginning August 1, 2026, CalRecycle has the authority to annually adjust the CBEP recycling fee.
2027
- On or before July 1, 2027, manufacturers of CBEPs must begin sending CalRecycle annual Manufacturer Reports.
2028
- Beginning on July 1, 2028, CalRecycle has the authority to adjust the payment rate for CBEP waste annually.
- Beginning on August 1, 2028, CalRecycle may, if necessary, establish more than one CBEP recycling fee based on product categories.
These guidance tools were developed by CalRecycle as a courtesy for informational and example purposes only. Use of these tools is optional and is not a regulatory requirement. In the event of any conflict with this guidance tool or information herein, applicable statutory and regulatory provisions shall control. These tools and information herein are based on known facts and legal authority as understood by CalRecycle at the time of release. Any analysis, guidance, or other information herein may be subject to change based on changed facts or legal authority, actual or understood, subsequent to the publishing of this tool. The provision of these guidance tools and any analysis, guidance, or other information herein shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights or remedies available to CalRecycle. Users are encouraged to seek the assistance of legal counsel to comply with applicable state law based on their pertinent facts and circumstances. CalRecycle makes no representation that use of this tool will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The user assumes all risk and CalRecycle accepts no responsibility or liability to any person because of the use of, or reliance upon, this tool or the information herein.
This page is for informational purposes only; it does not list all requirements in statute and regulations.
For more information, contact EmbeddedBatteries@calrecycle.ca.gov