Connecticut’s New Battery Recycling Law Explained
Connecticut has taken a significant step forward in advancing environmental sustainability with the recent passage of its battery recycling law. This legislation aims to address the growing challenges associated with battery waste and ensure a safer and more sustainable future for residents. Here’s everything you need to know about this new law, its impacts, and key timelines.
The Connecticut Battery Recycling Law: An Overview
On June 10, 2025, Governor Ned Lamont signed into law House Bill 5019, now known as Public Act 25–34. This legislation establishes a statewide Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for consumer batteries. Connecticut joins a growing list of states that have implemented EPR laws to minimize battery waste and promote recycling.
The law requires battery producers to financially and operationally support a battery collection and recycling system. By shifting the responsibility from taxpayers to manufacturers, Connecticut aims to reduce fire risks, recover valuable materials, and cut costs for municipalities.
What Products and Materials Will Be Affected?
The new EPR law covers single-use and rechargeable batteries, including:
- Consumer Portable Batteries: Commonly used in devices like remote controls, flashlights, and toys.
- Rechargeable Batteries: Found in electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, and cameras.
- Medium Format Batteries: Used in larger devices like e‑bikes, scooters, and power tools.
The law targets the recovery of key materials, such as lithium, cobalt, zinc, and manganese, which are not only valuable but also hazardous when improperly disposed of, making their recovery essential for environmental safety.
Important to note that the program prohibits the sale of non-compliant batteries within the state. Manufacturers must enroll in an approved battery stewardship organization and comply with the program’s requirements to continue operating in Connecticut.
Who Will Be Affected by the Law?
This legislation has far-reaching implications for several groups, including:
- Battery Producers: All manufacturers of covered battery types must fund and implement a compliant recycling system. Failure to comply will result in a sales ban within the state.
- Retailers: Retailers must ensure that the batteries they sell come from manufacturers participating in the stewardship program. This might involve verifying compliance certifications.
- Consumers: Residents will benefit from free and convenient battery drop-off locations across the state, including accessibility in rural and underserved communities.
- Recycling Industry: The law opens new opportunities for recyclers by creating a standardized system with clear goals for collection and recycling rates.
What Does This Mean for Brands and Manufacturers?
Immediate Steps for Compliance
If you are a battery producer operating in Connecticut, under this law you will be required to:
- Join a state-approved battery stewardship organization and fund the battery recycling system.
- Develop a battery collection and recycling plan and submit it to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for approval.
- Launch convenient, free drop-off points for used batteries.
- Ensure safe handling, transport, and recycling of batteries, including damaged or defective units.
- Roll out public education campaigns on proper battery disposal to improve consumer awareness.
Key Timelines
The implementation of Public Act 25–34 will roll out in several stages. Here are the key deadlines you need to remember:
- 2026: Battery producers must submit a state-approved collection and recycling plan to the DEEP.
- January 1, 2027: Full program implementation begins. Producers that fail to comply will be prohibited from selling batteries in the state.
For brands and manufacturers, preparation starts now. Joining an industry-recognized battery stewardship organization and aligning with the program’s requirements will ensure compliance and avoid disruptions.
RLG and Connecticut’s EPR Program
Navigating the complexities of battery EPR laws and compliance requirements can be overwhelming, but RLG is here to simplify the process. With industry recognition for our compliance expertise and innovative lithium-ion battery safety solutions, our team offers comprehensive support to help businesses fulfill their obligations under EPR legislation.
How RLG Supports Your Compliance Efforts
- Stewardship Plan Assistance: Support with BSO membership, registration processes, and crafting compliance strategies tailored to your specific needs. We bring over 30 years of expertise in handling all PRO organization and operations aspects.
- Product Registration: Manage registrations to ensure your products maintain uninterrupted access to the Connecticut market.
- Data Management: Seamlessly track and report battery volumes and financial data to meet state-mandated requirements.
- Financial Management: Ensure accurate contributions to fund robust battery collection and recycling programs.
- Proactive Safety Solutions: With the Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Box (LiSa), we provide innovative tools for safer transportation and storage of lithium-ion batteries, mitigating critical risks like thermal runaway incidents.
Partnering with RLG lets your business achieve EPR compliance efficiently, reduce risks, and maintain your focus on core objectives with peace of mind. To learn more, contact our team today.
Get Started Today
Connecticut’s battery recycling law represents an essential shift toward a producer-funded approach to waste management. And with the clock ticking on stewardship plan submissions, now is the time to act.
Is your business ready for Connecticut’s new battery recycling law? Contact RLG today to meet compliance requirements and achieve your sustainability goals.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Laws are subject to interpretation and change without notice, so always consult with professional advisors and refer to primary sources. Content is accurate as of publication date but may not be regularly updated.
