SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Lawmakers in Oregon have approved a new bill establishing an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for batteries, aimed at improving recycling and reducing fire risks linked to improperly discarded batteries.
House Bill 4144 requires producers of certain batteries or battery-containing products to join a producer responsibility organization (PRO) and implement a statewide recycling program. The EPR program is scheduled to begin by July 1, 2029, while the first PRO plan must be submitted to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality by September 1, 2028.
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The legislation targets an estimated 1.4 million pounds of single-use and rechargeable batteries disposed of in the state each year. It applies to portable and medium-format batteries weighing up to 25 pounds but excludes batteries already covered under Oregon’s electronics recycling program and certain medical-device batteries.
Under the bill, the PRO must establish a convenient statewide collection system ensuring that at least 95% of residents live within 15 miles of a battery drop-off site. The organization will also be responsible for covering collection, storage, transportation, and recycling costs.
The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.