More than 20 bills concerning electronics recycling so far have been introduced in 14 states for the 2025 legislative session. | Parilov/Shutterstock
Legislators have been filing bills as the 2025 session starts up, and in the e-scrap realm, two main topics are again at the forefront: extended producer responsibility for batteries and the right to repair consumer electronics.
The U.S. EPA is working on a Battery Collection Best Practices and Battery Labeling Guidelines project, which will provide a toolkit for local governments to use when implementing battery collection programs, among other deliverables. | Chepko-Danil-Vitalevich/Shutterstock
The U.S. EPA has held a series of expert working groups, aiming to find the most effective strategies to keep batteries out of the garbage and recycling streams. For a growing number of municipalities, including one major U.S. city, that is coming to mean offering the convenience of curbside collection.
The EPA is convening battery recycling stakeholders of all kinds in work sessions that will begin in March, exploring such topics as battery labeling and collection best practices. | Showcake/ Shutterstock
Battery manufacturers, nonprofits, local governments and others can share their experiences with and insights into battery recycling with the U.S. EPA during work sessions that are set to begin in March. Continue Reading
A study from the National Waste and Recycling Association found that the rate of catastrophic fire losses has risen by 41% over the last five years. | Piotr Zajda/Shutterstock
The National Waste and Recycling Association estimates that more than 5,000 fires occur annually at recycling facilities, and it recently warned many were likely linked to lithium-ion batteries. Continue Reading
The expenditure is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. | Sergii Chernov/Shutterstock
The U.S. Department of Energy is making $192 million available for battery recycling advancements and the launch of a battery research and development consortium. Continue Reading
More and more old tires are being recycled, and lithium ion batteries have caused several fires at a Midwest MRF.
Pratt Industries sets a one-day recycled paper production record, and some Canadian grocery stores take aim at waste by eliminating packaging altogether.
A new MRF is making some money and extending the life of a landfill, and the European Union’s elected body approves aggressive recycling targets.
Some lawmakers say it’s time to update Pennsylvania’s 30-year-old recycling law, and an Indiana elementary school wins the Recycle-Bowl competition.
Last year closed with record-setting numbers for battery collection and recycling in North America, according to stewardship group Call2Recycle.