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New YorkS 88322025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Relates to rechargeable battery recycling

Sponsored By: Brian Kavanagh (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

RULESENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

Battery sellers must join approved recycling plans

Beginning January 1, 2027, manufacturers cannot sell, offer, or distribute covered scooter and electric-assist bicycle batteries without an approved recycling plan. Retailers also cannot sell or offer covered rechargeable batteries unless their manufacturer operates under an approved plan. Retailers are protected if the manufacturer appeared on the state’s approved-plan website when the battery was made available for sale. The amended retail deadline is one year after the 2025 chapter’s effective date or approval of a compliant new or updated plan, whichever is later.

Free battery returns with safety limits

Retailers must accept similar rechargeable batteries free during business hours: 10 per person daily, or as many as the customer buys. Scooter and electric-assist bicycle battery returns are voluntary, only at retailers selling those vehicles or batteries. Participating retailers may accept five per person daily, or as many as the customer buys. Retailers cannot accept damaged, defective, or recalled scooter or electric-assist bicycle batteries; these need separate safe collection arrangements. Retailers must provide convenient collection containers, but nonparticipating scooter/bicycle-only sellers may post the required disposal and return notice instead.

Consumers get recycling locations and safety information

Manufacturers must share collection locations, hours, accepted battery types, safety information, and promotional materials. They must also explain municipal reimbursement options. Annual reports to the state must show batteries received and recycled, collection sites and events, quantities collected, and program costs. Reports must include municipal reimbursements and specified data for New York and cities with at least one million people.

Local governments get battery collection costs repaid

Manufacturers must repay local governments for all costs tied to collecting scooter and electric-assist bicycle batteries. Covered costs include safety training and storage. The law sets no dollar limit on these reimbursements. This shifts the covered collection costs from local governments to manufacturers.

Battery makers fund safer recycling access

Manufacturers must fund covered battery returns and recycling, alone or together, and supply safe-storage containers and equipment. Coverage includes rechargeable batteries and packs weighing less than 50 pounds, including scooter and electric-assist bicycle power batteries. It excludes non-rechargeable batteries, other vehicle power batteries, stationary energy storage, and built-in memory-backup batteries. For covered scooter and bicycle batteries, the product maker becomes responsible when no battery producer or importer takes responsibility. General plans are due within 90 days of the title’s effective date; vehicle-battery plans within 180 days of the 2025 chapter’s effective date. Plans must provide safe, prompt transport and recycling, regular pickup, and handling and emergency training. Vehicle-battery sites must provide convenient geographic coverage, not rely solely on hazardous-waste events, follow fire/building codes, and avoid residential co-location where feasible.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brian Kavanagh

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 168 • No: 51

House vote • 2/10/2026

Assembly floor vote

Yes: 97 • No: 46

Senate vote • 1/21/2026

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 51 • No: 5

committee vote • 1/12/2026

Rules Committee Vote

Yes: 20 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. SIGNED CHAP.87

    2/13/2026Senate

  2. DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR

    2/13/2026Senate

  3. RETURNED TO SENATE

    2/10/2026House

  4. PASSED ASSEMBLY

    2/10/2026House

  5. ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.16

    2/10/2026House

  6. SUBSTITUTED FOR A9504

    2/10/2026House

  7. REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

    1/21/2026House

  8. DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY

    1/21/2026Senate

  9. PASSED SENATE

    1/21/2026Senate

  10. ORDERED TO THIRD READING CAL.47

    1/12/2026Senate

  11. REFERRED TO RULES

    1/8/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Original

    1/8/2026

    PDF

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