All Roll Calls
Yes: 99 • No: 0
WisconsinAB7132025-2026 Wisconsin Legislature (Biennial Session)HouseWALLET
An Act to create 287.07 (6) and 287.175 of the statutes; Relating to: requiring battery stewardship organizations to administer battery collection and recycling programs and providing a penalty. (FE)
Sponsored By: Russell Goodwin (Democratic), Joel Kitchens (Republican), Rob Kreibich (Republican), Jeffrey Mursau (Republican), Todd Novak (Republican)
Became Law
BusinessForfeitureNatural ResourcesDepartment of -- Environmental protectionRecyclingReports
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 9 mixed.
Free battery drop-off and disposal ban
Beginning January 1, 2028, you may not throw away or burn covered batteries. You must take them to an approved collection site or event. Collection is free and ongoing statewide. By December 31, 2028, most people have a site within 15 miles for portable batteries, and there are at least 10 permanent sites for medium‑format batteries plus events in counties without sites. Medium‑format and damaged batteries are handled only at staffed, trained locations.
Enforcement and protections for waste handlers
Stewardship groups can warn, suspend, or end a collection site that breaks plan rules or risks health and safety. Solid waste facilities avoid violations by posting a clear sign refusing covered batteries and directing people to collection sites. Collectors are not in violation if a third party puts a covered battery in a disposal container. Intentional, substantial violations can face up to $7,000 per violation and court orders; retailers are not penalized, and good‑faith efforts are protected.
Battery plans: goals and reviews
By January 1, 2027, stewardship groups must file a plan that lasts up to five years. Plans must set collection goals and meet minimum recycling efficiency: at least 60% for rechargeable and 70% for primary batteries. The Department has 120 days to act on plans; if denied or conditioned, a revision is due in 60 days and the Department decides within 90 days. Plans must be renewed at least every five years, add fixes if goals were missed, and notify the Department within 90 days of key changes. The Department may approve more than one plan and allow fair cost‑sharing across groups.
Producers fund battery recycling program
Stewardship groups must pay all program costs and reimburse local governments for actual costs when their facilities serve as collection sites. They fund this by charging participating producers reasonable fees that reflect actual costs, including collection, transport, processing, outreach, audits, and local reimbursements.
Producers must join and label batteries
Beginning January 1, 2027, producers may sell covered batteries in Wisconsin only if they join a listed stewardship organization with an approved plan. Starting that same date, most covered batteries must be marked with the producer’s identity. Very small batteries under one‑half inch in diameter, or without a surface over one‑half inch, are exempt from the ID mark. Beginning January 1, 2029, batteries must also be labeled with their chemistry.
Education and outreach on battery disposal
Beginning January 1, 2027, stewardship groups must run a website and provide safety training and materials to collection sites and retailers. They also share recalled‑battery and safety guidance and give materials to retailers or potential sites on request. Groups may promote the program and must survey public awareness in year one and every five years, sharing results with the Department.
Study on hard-to-remove batteries
By July 1, 2027, stewardship groups must send the Department any available state assessments on end‑of‑life for batteries that customers cannot easily remove. The Department must report to the Legislature with recommendations on applying the law to such batteries.
Public reporting and annual audits
The Department posts proposed plans and amendments online and keeps approved plans, producer names, brand lists (updated twice a year), and audit reports on its website. By June 1, 2029, and every June 1 after, stewardship groups must publish an independent annual audit covering finances, battery weights by chemistry, recycling methods, outreach, and fixes. Proprietary business information submitted to the Department stays confidential and is not published.
Optional mail-back battery services allowed
Anyone may offer fee‑based household collection or mail‑back services for covered batteries outside the stewardship program. These services must follow all federal, state, and local laws. They are optional and may charge customers.
Rules for recalled or in-product batteries
A stewardship group does not have to collect recalled batteries or batteries still inside products at drop‑off. It may seek reimbursement from the producer for recall‑related collection, transport, or processing costs. Manufacturers can still conduct recalls or assist collections.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Russell Goodwin
Democratic • House
Joel Kitchens
Republican • House
Rob Kreibich
Republican • House
Jeffrey Mursau
Republican • House
Todd Novak
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Vincent Miresse
Democratic • House
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez
Democratic • House
Cory Tomczyk
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/17/2026
Read a third time and passed, Ayes 99, Noes 0
Yes: 99 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Published 4-3-2026
4/2/2026HouseReport approved by the Governor on 4-2-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 170
4/2/2026HousePresented to the Governor on 4-1-2026
4/1/2026HouseReport correctly enrolled on 3-26-2026
3/26/2026HouseReceived from Senate concurred in
3/18/2026HouseOrdered immediately messaged
3/17/2026SenateRead a third time and concurred in
3/17/2026SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
3/17/2026SenateOrdered to a third reading
3/17/2026SenateRead a second time
3/17/2026SenatePlaced on calendar 3-17-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
3/16/2026SenatePublic hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2
3/16/2026SenateAvailable for scheduling
2/20/2026SenateRead first time and referred to committee on Senate Organization
2/20/2026SenateReceived from Assembly
2/18/2026SenateOrdered immediately messaged
2/17/2026HouseRead a third time and passed, Ayes 99, Noes 0
2/17/2026HouseRepresentative Miresse added as a coauthor
2/17/2026HouseRules suspended
2/17/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
2/17/2026HouseAssembly Amendment 1 adopted
2/17/2026HouseRead a second time
2/17/2026HouseWithdrawn from Committee on Rules and referred to calendar of 2-17-2026
2/13/2026HouseReferred to committee on Rules
1/30/2026HouseReport passage as amended recommended by Committee on Environment, Ayes 4, Noes 2
1/30/2026House
Bill Text
Assembly Amendment 1
2/17/2026
Bill Text
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