Dead batteries clutter homes and pose disposal challenges, but Colorado is set to revolutionize how residents recycle them.
In a law recently signed by Governor Jared Polis, the state aims to ensure that by October 2028, 95% of Colorado residents will have access to a drop-off site for small batteries within a 15-mile radius.
This initiative marks a significant shift in battery recycling and is part of the newly passed ‘Battery Stewardship Act.’ Under this act, at least one permanent collection site or annual community collection event will be established for every 30,000 residents by 2028.
In a follow-up effort by 2029, the law mandates at least 15 permanent collection sites for medium-format batteries, which include power tool rechargeable batteries and e-bike batteries.
Supporters of the act believe that this collection and reuse system will keep hazardous materials out of landfills while providing recycled commodities such as lithium, nickel, steel, and lead to Colorado manufacturers.
Rachel Setzke, a senior policy advisor at the nonprofit recycler Eco-Cycle, expressed optimism regarding the initiative, stating that it will help keep valuable materials in circulation.
The funding for this program will be derived from a fee that battery manufacturers impose on themselves, ensuring consumers will not face any costs at the point of collection.
However, not all are on board with this law. Existing materials-handling companies like Redwood Materials voiced strong opposition, claiming the act, while well-intentioned, creates a flawed framework that may inadvertently increase fire risks and complicate U.S. battery circularity.
Founded by a cofounder of Tesla, Redwood Materials argues that the new collection laws create excessive complexity and unfairly favor a single nonprofit entity over other potential recyclers.
Setzke countered these claims, asserting that for the recycling system to function effectively, all battery types must be collected, as more valuable batteries help finance the recycling of less valuable ones.
She compared this approach to a curbside recycling system that excludes valuable materials like aluminum, leaving only harder-to-recycle plastics to manage on their own.
This push for sustainable battery recycling in Colorado is reminiscent of the state’s recent legislation aimed at promoting the recycling of cardboard and paper packaging materials.
Currently, a ‘producer responsibility organization’ is formulating rules for a statewide curbside recycling system funded by companies that heavily utilize packaging, including prominent brands like Coca-Cola and Procter and Gamble.
The new battery recycling initiative will be overseen by a dedicated ‘battery stewardship organization’ and monitored by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Companies and volunteers that facilitate the collection, transport, and recycling of batteries will be compensated through the fees collected by this organization.
As recycling options for batteries have traditionally been limited, many residents resort to disposing of them improperly.
Setzke highlighted that without a proper recycling system, batteries often end up in landfills, which can lead to environmental hazards and the loss of valuable materials.
The forthcoming initiative is expected to improve the current recycling framework and address these critical issues.
Moreover, in her discussions with leaders from other states with existing battery recycling laws, Setzke mentioned that there have been no significant increases in consumer battery costs attributed to these recovery fees.
Consumers curious about the logistics of battery collection can look to existing programs for guidance.
Setzke likened the anticipated battery collection process to the well-established paint disposal events in Colorado, where residents can drop off potentially hazardous paint materials at designated locations.
The proposed battery collection system will likely include local hardware stores and household hazardous waste sites, making it more accessible for residents to recycle their dead batteries responsibly.
As Colorado moves forward with this initiative, it is expected to set a precedent for other states contemplating similar battery stewardship programs, all with the goal of improving both recycling rates and sustainability.
image source from：coloradosun
