NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A6280A
SPONSOR: Englebright TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in
relation to establishing a product stewardship program for primary
batteries
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to establish a battery recycling program for
consumers.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
This bill would:
*define relevant terms including "primary battery," which would mean a
non rechargeable battery, including alkaline, carbon-zinc, lithium
metal, and coin/button batteries weighing two kilograms or less;
*prohibit the sale of primary batteries unless the producer is regis-
tered with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and has an
approved battery stewardship plan;
*require battery stewardship plans to include:
o all producers and contact information;
o brands of batteries covered by the plan;
o free collection from consumers;
o method of disposition;
o a description of roles and responsibilities;
o education and outreach; and
o performance goals to measure the success of the program
*require a producer to submit an annual report to DEC; and,
*establish parameters for DEC involvement to include:
o plan approval;
o website posting of all proposed and approved plans;
o maintenance of producer names and brands on the DEC website; and,
o receipt of producer registration fees.
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation would authorize New York to expand its recycling
efforts beyond rechargeable batteries to address other types of
batteries by requiring battery manufacturers to establish a consumer
collection program. Batteries contain metals such as zinc, steel and
managanese that can be recycled, helping to reduce the need for mining
and refining. Several other states including Vermont and Connecticut
have adopted battery recycling programs.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2016: A.9921-B - Reported to 3rd reading calendar.
2017: A.6280- Passed the Assembly.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Minimal State fiscal implications.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 90 days after enactment.
