Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday signed a bill creating an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for consumer batteries, which shifts the responsibility for battery collection and recycling from taxpayers and local governments to the producers themselves.
The legislation makes Connecticut one of the growing number of states adopting EPR policies to address the environmental and safety risks associated with improper battery disposal, particularly lithium-ion batteries.
The legislation was proposed by the Environment Committee as HB 5019. The House approved the bill 147-0, with four members absent or not voting. The Senate passed it by a vote of 35-1.
The law requires battery producers to join a state-approved battery stewardship organization to sell batteries in Connecticut. Battery producers must inform the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection whether they will join a program jointly or individually by Jan. 1, 2027.
Any producers that fail to comply will be prohibited from selling batteries in the state.
Also, the law mandates the establishment of convenient, free drop-off sites for used batteries across the state, including in rural and underserved communities.
DEEP will oversee the program, approve stewardship plans and monitor compliance. Programs must set clear goals for consumer awareness, collection rates and recycling efficiency, with regular reporting.
In addition, the law includes provisions for public education campaigns to inform residents about proper battery disposal and collection programs.
The bill received strong support from regional planning groups and environmental advocates.
The Motor Transport Association of Connecticut opposed the bill, saying it would have a negative impact on some of its members, which recycle batteries.
“We believe the best approach is to expand and support market-driven collection pathways already operating effectively, rather than restrict them,” the group said in written testimony.
