42 U.S.C. § 6966c: Best practices for battery…

Summary

The EPA must create clear ways for governments to collect batteries so they can be safely and usefully recycled. The EPA must work with state, Tribal, and local governments and with non-government and private groups. It must send a report to Congress within two years of November 15, 2021 (by November 15, 2023). Up to $10,000,000 is authorized for fiscal year 2022 to do this work, available until September 30, 2026. Definitions: Administrator — the EPA Administrator. Battery — a device with one or more electrochemical cells that stores and provides electrical energy. Recycling — processing used materials into commodity feedstock for new products; includes collection, processing, and brokering. The EPA will also run a voluntary program to make battery labels and outreach materials to help people find collection sites, learn about recycling, and avoid unsafe disposal. Those labels should align with international labeling standards and the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act (42 U.S.C. 14301 et seq.). Up to $15,000,000 is authorized for fiscal year 2022 for this program, available until September 30, 2026.

Title 42, §6966c

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Definitions

In this section: (1) Administrator (2) Battery

(3)Recycling

The term “recycling” means the series of activities—

(A)during which recyclable materials are processed into specification-grade commodities, and consumed as raw-material feedstock, in lieu of virgin materials, in the manufacturing of new products;

(B)that may include collection, processing, and brokering; and

(C)that result in subsequent consumption by a materials manufacturer, including for the manufacturing of new products.

(b)Best practices for collection of batteries to be recycled

(1)In general

The Administrator shall develop best practices that may be implemented by State, Tribal, and local governments with respect to the collection of batteries to be recycled in a manner that—

(A)to the maximum extent practicable, is technically and economically feasible for State, Tribal, and local governments;

(B)is environmentally sound and safe for waste management workers; and

(C)optimizes the value and use of material derived from recycling of batteries.

(2)Consultation

The Administrator shall develop the best practices described in paragraph (1) in coordination with State, Tribal, and local governments and relevant nongovernmental and private sector entities.

(3)Report

Not later than 2 years after November 15, 2021, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report describing the best practices developed under paragraph (1).

(4)Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, to remain available until September 30, 2026.

(c)Voluntary labeling guidelines

(1)In general

There is established within the Environmental Protection Agency a program (referred to in this subsection as the “program”) to promote battery recycling through the development of— (A)

(B)other forms of communication materials for battery producers and consumers about the reuse and recycling of critical materials from batteries.

(2)Purposes

The purposes of the program are to improve battery collection and reduce battery waste, including by—

(A)identifying battery collection locations and increasing accessibility to those locations;

(B)promoting consumer education about battery collection and recycling; and

(C)reducing safety concerns relating to the improper disposal of batteries.

(3)Other standards and law

The Administrator shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that voluntary labeling guidelines and other forms of communication materials developed under the program are consistent with—

(A)international battery labeling standards; and

(B)the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act (42 U.S.C. 14301 et seq.).

(4)Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this subsection $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, to remain available until September 30, 2026.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(3)(B), is Pub. L. 104–142, May 13, 1996, 110 Stat. 1329, which is classified generally to chapter 137 (§ 14301 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 14301 of this title and Tables. Codification Section was enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and not as part of the Solid Waste Disposal Act which comprises this chapter.

§6966c Best Practices for Battery Recycling and Labeling Guidelines