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New YorkS 732025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Relates to rechargeable battery recycling

Sponsored By: Brian Kavanagh (Democratic)

Became Law

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATIONCODESWAYS AND MEANS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

More batteries covered by state recycling rules

The law expands what counts as a rechargeable battery. It includes nickel‑cadmium, sealed lead, lithium‑ion, and nickel metal hydride batteries, and other dry‑cell batteries under 50 pounds. It also covers batteries that power electric scooters and pedal‑assist bikes. It does not cover main batteries for cars, boats, tractors, golf carts, or wheelchairs, or batteries used for solar or wind storage, or memory‑backup batteries in devices. The law also defines “sale” to include in‑store, catalog, mail, phone, internet, or other electronic sales, but not samples, donations, or reuse.

New take-back and safety rules for battery retailers

Retail stores in New York must take back used rechargeable batteries that are similar to what they sell. Stores must accept up to 10 per person per day, and accept at least the number a customer buys. They must post an 8.5 x 11 inch sign that states: “It is illegal to dispose of rechargeable batteries in the state of New York as solid waste. We accept used rechargeable batteries for return to the manufacturer.” Stores may sell only brands whose manufacturer has an approved recycling plan; the state posts a list. Retailers must comply within 180 days of the law’s effective date. For e‑scooter and e‑bike batteries, retailer duties start one year after the 2025 amendment takes effect or when a related plan is approved, whichever is later. The state also issues storage safety rules (within 180 days after the 2025 amendment) that require regular battery removal from stores and employee training on handling and fire procedures.

Manufacturers must fund and report battery recycling

Battery makers must file a collection, transport, and recycling plan within 90 days of the law’s effective date. For e‑scooter and e‑bike batteries, the plan is due 180 days after the 2025 amendment. The plan must show safe and prompt pickup and disposal, including for e‑scooter and e‑bike batteries collected by retailers and government. Manufacturers pay for collection and recycling and must give retailers safe‑handling and storage guidance. A company cannot sell rechargeable batteries in New York unless it is operating under an approved plan. Each year, manufacturers must report amounts received and recycled (by number or weight), e‑scooter and e‑bike battery weights statewide and in cities over 1 million, program costs, and other items the department requires.

State control and NYC enforcement of battery rules

New York takes sole control of rechargeable battery recycling rules. Local battery laws are preempted when section 27‑1805 takes effect, but people can still coordinate collection for recycling or reuse. In cities with 1 million or more people, city agencies chosen by the mayor can enforce the rules. Violations go to the city’s Environmental Control Board, which can impose civil fines. Penalties collected by that board go to the city’s general fund.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brian Kavanagh

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Anthony H. Palumbo

    Republican • Senate

  • Brad Hoylman-Sigal

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jack M. Martins

    Republican • Senate

  • James Tedisco

    Republican • Senate

  • Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Julia Salazar

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kevin S. Parker

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lea Webb

    Democratic • Senate

  • Liz Krueger

    Democratic • Senate

  • Monica Martinez

    Democratic • Senate

  • Pamela Helming

    Republican • Senate

  • Patricia Fahy

    Democratic • Senate

  • Pete Harckham

    Democratic • Senate

  • Robert Jackson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Robert Rolison

    Republican • Senate

  • Steve Rhoads

    Republican • Senate

  • William Weber

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 129 • No: 2

Senate vote • 6/12/2025

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 57 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/5/2025

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 61 • No: 0

committee vote • 2/25/2025

Environmental Conservation Committee Vote

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. APPROVAL MEMO.87

    12/19/2025Senate

  2. SIGNED CHAP.712

    12/19/2025Senate

  3. DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR

    12/8/2025Senate

  4. RETURNED TO SENATE

    6/17/2025House

  5. PASSED ASSEMBLY

    6/17/2025House

  6. ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.715

    6/13/2025House

  7. SUBSTITUTED FOR A4641A

    6/13/2025House

  8. REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS

    6/12/2025House

  9. RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY

    6/12/2025Senate

  10. REPASSED SENATE

    6/12/2025Senate

  11. AMENDED ON THIRD READING 73A

    6/9/2025Senate

  12. VOTE RECONSIDERED - RESTORED TO THIRD READING

    6/9/2025Senate

  13. RETURNED TO SENATE

    6/9/2025House

  14. RECALLED FROM ASSEMBLY

    6/9/2025Senate

  15. REFERRED TO CODES

    3/5/2025House

  16. DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY

    3/5/2025Senate

  17. PASSED SENATE

    3/5/2025Senate

  18. ADVANCED TO THIRD READING

    3/3/2025Senate

  19. 2ND REPORT CAL.

    2/26/2025Senate

  20. 1ST REPORT CAL.392

    2/25/2025Senate

  21. REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

    1/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Amendment A

    6/9/2025

    PDF

  • Original

    12/18/2024

    PDF

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