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Senate approves statewide lithium battery stewardship bill to reduce fires at waste facilities
Summary
Senate Bill 49 passed to prohibit placing lithium batteries in curbside trash and recycling, direct the cabinet to develop a stewardship program by March 31, 2027, and begin a voluntary stewardship program on June 30, 2027; sponsor framed the measure as a public-safety, phased approach.
The Kentucky Senate on third reading approved Senate Bill 49, a measure aimed at reducing fires at landfills and solid waste facilities by restricting the disposal of lithium and rechargeable batteries and creating a statewide stewardship program.
Senator from Clark, explaining the bill, said many recent fires at landfills and hauling equipment have been caused by lithium batteries and described the bill as "a safety first bill" that "protects workers, and it gives Kentucky the time to do it right." He summarized the bill's provisions: it would prohibit lithium batteries from curbside trash and recycling containers, establish a statewide lithium battery stewardship program, and emphasize public education and recycling options.
Senator from Clark outlined a phased timeline: the Energy and Environment Cabinet would develop the stewardship program by March 31, 2027, and a voluntary program would begin June 30, 2027. The sponsor characterized the plan as collaborative with manufacturers, retailers, collectors, and local governments.
There were no recorded floor objections. The clerk recorded the roll and the presiding officer announced 37 yea votes, no nays, and declared Senate Bill 49 passed.
