SEATTLE (Recycling Monster):  Jim Pillen, the governor of Nebraska, formally signed the LB36 Safe Battery Collection and Recycling Act into law last week. The goal of the new rule is to address lithium-ion and other household batteries, one of the most hazardous and rapidly expanding waste sources in the nation. Several state and municipal officials, together with a number of national partners, collaborated to produce the measure, which was sponsored by Senator Jana Hughes.

A producer-funded battery stewardship program will be established for portable and medium-format batteries sold in the state under LB36. This basically means that the safe collecting and recycling of used batteries will now fall within the purview of manufacturers.

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According to the statute, manufacturers who want to sell batteries in Nebraska starting in 2028 must become members of a Battery Stewardship Organization (BSO) that has been certified by the state. Convenient drop-off locations must be established around the state. Batteries can no longer be burned or landfilled as a result. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy will also approve and oversee all program plans.

The law is seen as a significant advancement in safeguarding the environment and public safety. It will also result in the recovery and repurposing of important materials found in these batteries, including as zinc, cobalt, and lithium.