First-in-nation single-use battery recycling law passes in Vermont!

Single-use household battery manufacturers that sell or manufacture their products in the state of Vermont are required to plan, implement, and manage a statewide battery collection program.  This requirement has been in effect since 2016.  Vermont was the first in the nation to enact this type of extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation.  The law requires primary (single-use) battery manufacturers to fund and manage  a take-back and recycling program on behalf of consumers. It is the first law in the country  that covers primary batteries with multiple chemistries (e.g., alkaline, zinc carbon, lithium primary silver oxide, and zinc air).  There is also a voluntary collection program in place for rechargeable batteries.

It is estimated that more than 10 million batteries are sold in Vermont each year.

Regular alkaline batteries and dead lithium batteries are not considered hazardous. They may be safely discarded as trash. The only batteries that must be brought in (because they are hazardous) are: lead acid batteries (car batteries) button cell batteries (watch batteries) rechargeable batteries usable lithium batteries (dead lithium batteries are not hazardous). Car batteries are not accepted at Household Hazardous Waste Collection events but can be brought in to the Rutland County Hazardous Waste Depot on Gleason Road in Rutland during normal operating hours – Tuesday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m. Area garages may also accept car batteries. Confused about what type of battery you may have.