Illinois passes Portable Battery Stewardship Act

At the end of May, the Illinois Legislature passed the Portable Battery Stewardship Act, S.B. 3686/H.B. 5348, which establishes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for portable and medium-format batteries in the state.

The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, requires sellers or distributors of covered batteries or battery-containing products to bear costs of collecting, transporting and recycling batteries of all chemistries, managing them through a battery stewardship organization.

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, has come out in support of the bill’s passage, saying it marks a significant step toward improving collection, recycling and environmentally responsible disposal of lithium-ion batteries and other types of portable batteries throughout the state of Illinois.

The association says the legislation will establish a comprehensive framework to collect, transport, recycle and safely dispose of small-to-medium-sized portable batteries, particularly lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries. This legislation aims to reduce environmental impacts, increase safety, conserve natural resources and promote the sustainable management of end-of-life batteries.

In addition to mandating that manufacturers and distributors participate in a stewardship program and pay for the collection and disposal of these batteries, the legislation mandates creating easily accessible collection points across the state, making it convenient for Illinois residents to responsibly dispose of used batteries. To maximize the effectiveness of the program, educational initiatives will be launched to inform the public about the importance of proper battery disposal and recycling. Stewardship organizations must submit annual reports detailing the overall effectiveness of the program, ensuring transparency and accountability, the NWRA says.

“The passage of the Illinois Portable Battery Stewardship Act is a step in the right direction for our ongoing efforts to enhance recycling and waste management practices," NWRA President and CEO Michael E. Hoffman says. "We commend Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria) and Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington) for leading this initiative.”

NWRA says the legislation will not only help reduce environmental pollution caused by improperly disposed batteries but also conserve valuable resources through effective recycling.

“This legislation addresses important safety concerns that were identified by the battery industry, the waste industry and local governments across the state,” Senate sponsor Sen. David Koehler says.

“By holding manufacturers accountable and providing convenient recycling options for consumers, Illinois is setting a powerful example for other states to follow,” House sponsor Rep. Sharon Chung says.

“As portable batteries become more ubiquitous in our lives, it’s imperative that states take proactive measures to get ahead of this issue,” says George Kerchner, executive director of PRBA, the Rechargeable Battery Association, Washington. “Lithium-ion batteries that are improperly managed can cause fires, leading to service delays and disruptions, increased costs for consumers and harm to facilities and workers. This bill is a crucial first step toward addressing these significant risks.”

“The broad support for the Illinois Portable Battery Stewardship Act was instrumental in its successful passage and reflects the shared commitment of stakeholders throughout the battery life cycle—including battery producers, retailers, waste and recycling companies and local governments—to the safe and responsible management of consumer batteries across all of Illinois,” adds Christina Seibert, executive director of the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County.

“Our world is increasingly filled with battery-powered products that have become a part of our daily lives,” says Leo Raudys, CEO of Atlanta-based Call2Recycle. “Kudos to Illinois for passing this act that helps everyone do the right thing.”

A number of material recovery facility (MRF) operators and waste haulers supported the legislation, including GFL Environmental Inc., Homewood Disposal Service, LRS, Republic Services, Waste Connections and WM of Illinois.

Other supporters included Elgin Recycling, Illinois Environmental Council, Illinois Recycling Association & Foundation, Product Stewardship Institute and Kendall County Health Department.