|
The New England Chapter is actively engaged in critical legislative efforts surrounding HB 5019 in Connecticut, a bill aimed at establishing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for consumer batteries.
Our coalition, working alongside ReMA, has pushed for key amendments to ensure the bill recognizes the vital role recyclers play in battery management, promotes safe practices, and supports market innovation.
Key goals of our engagement:
-
Ensure recyclers have a seat at the table in shaping battery recycling programs.
-
Require stewardship organizations to coordinate with certified advanced battery recyclers.
-
Promote flexibility for collection sites and recyclers, allowing safe and effective battery handling.
-
Oppose monopolization by a single nonprofit collector, advocating for broader industry participation.
Our coalition also worked directly with Rep. Joe Gresko, the bill’s sponsor, to advocate for a stronger, more effective program.
The primary message: Recyclers must be partners—not afterthoughts—in crafting a system that truly improves safety, education, circularity, and market access.
Additionally, we are aligned with feedback from the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), which has called for immediate action to reduce lithium-ion battery fires and encouraged bolstering current drop-off programs while broader legislation is finalized.
A huge thank you to all New England Chapter members in CT who contributed their voices to this pivotal effort—you are helping to shape a safer, stronger future for battery recycling!
| 
