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New YorkS 88322025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Relates to rechargeable battery recycling

Sponsored By: Brian Kavanagh (Democratic)

Became Law

RULESENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Free in-store battery drop-off and limits

Stores that sell rechargeable batteries must take back used ones like the ones they sell, during normal hours. Remove the battery from any device before you bring it. You can return up to 10 per visit, and as many as you buy from that store; for e‑scooter and e‑bike batteries, you can return up to 5 per day. Special limits apply to e‑scooter and e‑bike batteries. Mail, phone, and online sellers must tell New York buyers about free return options at purchase or delivery.

Stores must post signs and drop boxes

Participating stores must post a clear sign at the entrance. The sign must be at least 8.5 by 11 inches and use one‑inch letters. It must say it is illegal to throw rechargeable batteries in the trash and that the store accepts returns. Stores must also keep a visible collection box, supplied by the maker, in an easy‑to‑reach spot. Stores that only sell e‑scooters or e‑bike batteries and do not join the program are excluded.

Special rules for e‑scooter and e‑bike batteries

Retail acceptance of e‑scooter and e‑bike batteries is voluntary, and only stores that sell those items may accept them. Stores may not accept damaged, defective, or recalled e‑scooter or e‑bike batteries. Retailers must follow this title within 180 days of the law’s effective date. The e‑scooter and e‑bike rules, and the ban on taking damaged ones, start one year after the 2025 amendments take effect or when a compliant plan is approved, whichever is later.

Only approved battery makers can sell

The law defines which batteries are covered. It covers rechargeable batteries under 50 pounds, including lithium‑ion, nickel‑cadmium, and e‑scooter and e‑bike batteries. It excludes car and truck traction batteries, home storage batteries, and tiny built‑in memory backups. It expands who counts as the maker to include producers, packers, importers, and in some cases the product maker or an in‑state distributor. Stores may sell rechargeable batteries only if the maker runs an approved collection and recycling plan. The state posts a public list of approved makers and brands, and a store is safe if the maker was on the list when the battery was offered for sale.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brian Kavanagh

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 71 • No: 5

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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