Battery producers, recyclers press for clear EPR framework; recyclers urge ability to collect directly

The Environment Committee heard testimony on HB 5019, a proposal to require producers to fund a stewardship organization to collect and recycle consumer batteries, including larger lithium batteries used in e‑bikes and some power tools.

Battery manufacturers and recycling businesses testified in favor of an EPR approach but urged clarifications in the bill. Recyclers and advocates said the law should allow direct collection agreements between collectors and accredited recyclers rather than forcing all flows through a single stewardship bottleneck. Industry witnesses asked for a technical definition of a “specialized battery recycler” so stewardship plans can require certified downstream recyclers and thereby preserve high value recycling pathways.

Recyclers warned the draft contained provisions that could require materials collected by private recyclers to be turned over to a stewardship organization, which would discourage existing collection networks and lower collection rates. Redwood Materials (written testimony) and other recyclers described nationwide collection models and urged the committee to permit multiple collection channels and data sharing with the stewardship organization.

Several speakers noted the urgency: lithium‑ion batteries in household electronics have triggered fires at recycling facilities and in collection trucks; medium‑format batteries (lawn tools, e‑bikes, small EV storage) are an increasing source of risk and value. Advocates asked the committee to include medium‑format batteries in the program and to design collection networks that treat portable and large format batteries appropriately.

Ending: Stakeholders broadly supported an EPR approach but asked for edits: permit direct collection by accredited recyclers; define specialized recyclers in statute; ensure the stewardship organization cannot absorb or block existing recyclers; and include medium‑format batteries in the scope. The committee declined to vote during the hearing.