Vermont’s battery recycling program has expanded to accept both rechargeable and single-use batteries under the state’s producer responsibility framework.
The state passed Act 152 in 2024 and designated The Battery Network (formerly Call2Recycle) as its producer responsibility organization (PRO) for batteries. The program now covers most primary alkaline and lithium-ion batteries, along with rechargeables containing lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride and sealed lead-acid chemistries.
Vermont officials and the stewardship organization framed the expansion as both a safety and environmental priority.
“For the safety of our solid waste workers, our communities, and the environment, it’s critical that batteries are properly managed,” said Josh Kelly, solid waste program manager at Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources.
Residents can drop off batteries at more than 100 collection locations statewide, including retailers and municipal facilities.
A feature of the expanded program is its acceptance of medium-format batteries, those that weigh up to 25 pounds or 2,000 watt hours. The category encompasses batteries used in cordless and electric lawn mowers, e-bikes, scooters and drones, which fall between small power tool batteries and full EV batteries in size.
The inclusion of medium-format batteries reflects growing industry concern over lithium-ion-related fires at waste and recycling facilities. There were a record 448 publicly reported waste and recycling facility fires in the United States and Canada in 2025, according to Ryan Fogelman, vice president of strategic partnerships at Fire Rover.
“From phones and power tools to e-bikes and disposable vapes, these batteries are entering waste and recycling streams in unprecedented volumes, often damaged, hidden and highly unstable,” Fogelman wrote in his January Fire Report.
Kelly added, “For the safety of our solid waste workers, our communities, and the environment, it’s critical that batteries are properly managed.”
The Battery Network said the program “continues Vermont’s leadership in solid waste management and environmental stewardship.”
