On September 16, 2022, Governor Newsom signed AB 2440 and SB 1215, overhauling California's existing
battery extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes and
expanding the state's e-waste program. AB 2440, the Responsible
Battery Act of 2022, sunsets the existing Cell Phone Recycling Act
of 2004 and the Rechargeable Battery Act of 2006, creating a
singular EPR program for batteries within the state. SB 1215
expands the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 (EWRA) to
include battery-embedded products and broadens the EWRA's
definition of manufacturers.
Unlike most state battery EPR laws, these laws apply to all
battery chemistries, including widely used lithium ion
batteries.
Key Takeaways