SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): State Rep. Josh Siegel, D-Lehigh has introduced legislation HB2241, aimed at promoting recycling of all kinds of batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries. The bill would make producers of these batteries responsible for dealing with them after use.

A recent battery fire incident at Penn Waste recycling facility in York County has inspired Siegel to come up with the legislation. According to EPA estimates, the number of battery fire incidents has recorded significant surge in recent years. In 2013, only two fires were reported at a single facility. However, in 2020, a total of 65 fires were reported across 16 different facilities. During this period, lithium-ion batteries caused more than 240 fires, it said.

ALSO READ:

City of Phoenix Announced Changes to Bulk Trash Collection Schedule

WM Completed Planned Upgrades at Pittsburgh MRF

The first part of the legislation makes sellers and manufacturers of batteries responsible for stewardship programs to collect and safely dispose of batteries. The second part calls for public awareness campaigns to be organized to educate customers about the dangers of throwing lithium-ion batteries along with their traditional waste.

Siegel reminded that careless disposal of batteries not only causes harm to the environment, but will also impact workers in recycling centres.