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Assembly advances statewide plan to add e‑bike and e‑scooter batteries to rechargeable battery take‑back program
Summary
Lawmakers approved a chapter amendment to the Environmental Conservation Law requiring manufacturers to submit statewide plans for collection of e‑bike and e‑scooter batteries, provide safe storage containers and reimburse local governments; retailers’ participation is voluntary and damaged or recalled batteries must go to hazardous‑waste collection.
The New York State Assembly on Tuesday passed a chapter amendment (Assembly No. 9504, rules report 16) to the Environmental Conservation Law that adds e‑bike and e‑scooter batteries to the state’s rechargeable‑battery recycling program.
Sponsor Miss Glick said manufacturers would be chiefly responsible for the plan, including developing collection programs, providing proper storage containers and reimbursing local governments for collection costs. "Rechargeable battery manufacturers ... are required to develop a plan for the way in which these batteries will be collected," Miss Glick said during floor debate.
Members pressed the sponsor on enforcement and practical implementation. Mister Durso asked whether the program would be statewide and how retailers would be prevented from selling batteries produced by manufacturers that did not file a plan. Miss Glick responded that the list of authorized manufacturers would be posted on DEC’s website and that retailers would be expected not to sell products from manufacturers that fail to participate in an approved plan. "Retailers cannot sell ... batteries from manufacturers that are not part of this," Miss Glick said.
The bill prohibits collection of damaged, defective or recalled batteries at voluntary retail collection sites; consumers would be directed to hazardous‑waste collection for those items. Miss Glick said retailers who voluntarily participate would receive training and materials from manufacturers on safe handling and that manufacturers, not taxpayers, would bear the costs.
The sponsor and questioners debated whether retail participation should be mandatory. The sponsor said retail acceptance of e‑bike and e‑scooter batteries would be voluntary: retailers may opt in to the collection program, and manufacturers would be expected to supply the necessary containers and training. The sponsor also noted input from fire safety offices would be required when DEC approves or rejects manufacturer plans.
On a party vote the Assembly recorded 99 ayes and 42 nays; the bill passed.
Next steps: the chapter amendment includes an immediate effective section reading that the section will take effect immediately as read on the floor; the bill will proceed to the usual enrollment and transmission steps to the governor.
