Signed by Governor Jay Inslee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with house amendments and pass a bill that requires battery producers to implement battery stewardship programs and increase battery recycling.

Highlights:

• Alleges that it is in the public interest of the citizens of washington to encourage and recover materials such as metals (Sec. 1). 

• Alleges that without a dedicated battery stewardship program people will be confused about disposal options (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes how proper handling of these materials prevents the release of toxic materials into the environment (Sec. ).

• Alleges that jurisdictions around the world have successfully implemented battery stewardship laws and programs (Sec. 1). 

• Defines terms related to batteries (Sec. 2). 

• Prohibits dealers from selling covered batteries or similar products after July 1st, 2027 (Sec. 4). 

• Exempts retailers who follow a state-approved plan for the product in questions (Sec. 4). 

• Specifies that retailers are not obligated to make their locations collection sites for covered batteries (Sec. 4). 

• Specifies that specific retailers may sell covered batteries if they are properly marked and are compliant with the state regulations concerning these products (Sec. 4). 

• Prohibits retailers from collecting a point of service fee to cover administrative costs for the sale of these batteries (Sec. 4). 

• Requires battery stewardship organizations to develop a stewardship program and plan including requirements for contact info, performance goals, obligations for retailers, an education program, promotional activities, and other info (Sec. 5). 

• Specifies that a battery stewardship program must submit a new plan for approval if there are changes in the transportation or end-of-life management for the batteries or to address format batteries and their impact (Sec. 5). 

• Specifies that if the state requires amendments to a plan be approved by the state in the case of financing changes and changes to performance goals (Sec. 5). 

• Specifies what shall be included in performance goals (Sec. 7). 

• Specifies that battery stewardship programs must include a collection plan and allow for the disposal at specific sites for all brands of batteries (Sec. 8). 

• Requires each stewardship program to submit a report covering the activities for the program (Sec. 10). 

• Appropriates funds from the state treasury to ensure responsible battery management (Sec. 13). 

• Establishes new regulations for the sale of covered, large format, or easily removable batteries concerning origin and chemistry of the battery (Sec. 14). 

• Specifies that battery stewardship programs are immune from anti-trust laws (Sec. 18). 

• Specifies that if any part of this act is invalidated then the rest of the act shall remain intact (Sec. 24).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires battery producers to implement battery stewardship programs and increase battery recycling

Highlights:

• Alleges that it is in the public interest of the citizens of washington to encourage and recover materials such as metals (Sec. 1). 

• Alleges that without a dedicated battery stewardship program people will be confused about disposal options (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes how proper handling of these materials prevents the release of toxic materials into the environment (Sec. ).

• Alleges that jurisdictions around the world have successfully implemented battery stewardship laws and programs (Sec. 1). 

• Defines terms related to batteries (Sec. 2). 

• Prohibits dealers from selling covered batteries or similar products after July 1st, 2027 (Sec. 4). 

• Exempts retailers who follow a state-approved plan for the product in questions (Sec. 4). 

• Specifies that retailers are not obligated to make their locations collection sites for covered batteries (Sec. 4). 

• Specifies that specific retailers may sell covered batteries if they are properly marked and are compliant with the state regulations concerning these products (Sec. 4). 

• Prohibits retailers from collecting a point of service fee to cover administrative costs for the sale of these batteries (Sec. 4). 

• Requires battery stewardship organizations to develop a stewardship program and plan including requirements for contact info, performance goals, obligations for retailers, an education program, promotional activities, and other info (Sec. 5). 

• Specifies that a battery stewardship program must submit a new plan for approval if there are changes in the transportation or end-of-life management for the batteries or to address format batteries and their impact (Sec. 5). 

• Specifies that if the state requires amendments to a plan be approved by the state in the case of financing changes and changes to performance goals (Sec. 5). 

• Specifies what shall be included in performance goals (Sec. 7). 

• Specifies that battery stewardship programs must include a collection plan and allow for the disposal at specific sites for all brands of batteries (Sec. 8). 

• Requires each stewardship program to submit a report covering the activities for the program (Sec. 10). 

• Appropriates funds from the state treasury to ensure responsible battery management (Sec. 13). 

• Establishes new regulations for the sale of covered, large format, or easily removable batteries concerning origin and chemistry of the battery (Sec. 14). 

• Specifies that battery stewardship programs are immune from anti-trust laws (Sec. 18). 

• Specifies that if any part of this act is invalidated then the rest of the act shall remain intact (Sec. 24).

Full Bill Text