NEW YORK STATE — Rechargeable batteries contain toxic metals that can be released into the environment when disposed of improperly. Under the Extended Producer Responsibility for Rechargeable Batteries law, it is illegal for any person to throw covered rechargeable batteries in the trash. Manufacturers of covered rechargeable batteries who sell in or into NYS are required to fund the collection and recycling of rechargeable batteries. Retailers that sell rechargeable batteries or rechargeable battery containing products must accept used rechargeable batteries from NYS consumers for recycling.

Batteries covered by the law include nickel-cadmium, sealed lead, lithium ion, nickel-metal hydride, any other dry-cell battery capable of being recharged, battery packs containing any of the above-mentioned batteries, and e-scooter and e-bike batteries (for more information on e-mobility batteries, see www.dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/recycling-composting/rechargeable-battery-recycling.)

The law does not cover any of the above-mentioned batteries/packs weighing 50 pounds or more; batteries used as the principal power source for a vehicle, such as an automobile, boat, truck, tractor, golf cart or wheelchair; batteries for storage of electricity generated by an alternative power source, such as solar or wind-driven generators; batteries for memory backup that is an integral component of an electronic device; or any non-rechargeable, single-use batteries such as common alkaline batteries.

Consumer responsibilities

It is illegal to throw used rechargeable batteries into the trash. Fortunately, any retailer that sells covered rechargeable batteries or products containing rechargeable batteries must accept used rechargeable batteries from NYS consumers for recycling. Rechargeable batteries contained in products that can be safely and easily removed should be removed prior to the disposal of such products. Examples of products that often contain rechargeable batteries include personal care devices, toys, digital cameras, cell phones, laptops, tablets, eReaders, wireless speakers and other devices, portable power tools and more.

Consumers can find drop-off locations near them by visiting the Battery Network (www.batterynetwork.org), Interstate Batteries (www.interstatebatteries.com) or Harbor Freight stores. In addition, some municipalities might offer permitted household hazardous waste (HHW) collection facilities or registered HHW collection events that accept batteries and embedded battery products for recycling from residents. Check with your municipality to see what options are available to you.

For additional assistance, or to report a non-compliant retailer, contact the DES Product Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility Section at psepr@dec.ny.gov or 518/402-8706.