Starting January 1, Californians will pay a new 1.5% fee on products with non-removable batteries, such as power tools, PlayStations, and singing greeting cards.
This surcharge, capped at $15, is part of a recycling program expansion under Senate Bill 1215, authored by former state Senator Josh Newman. The law aims to reduce the risk of battery fires and curb improper disposal of batteries, which the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery estimates at about 7,300 tons annually ending up in landfills.
The new fee is a response to the growing presence of lithium-ion batteries in everyday products and the associated risks. Lithium-ion batteries, which power many devices, can catch fire under harsh conditions, posing a significant hazard in waste and recycling facilities. Joe La Mariana, executive director of RethinkWaste, emphasized the ubiquity of these batteries and the dangers they pose, stating, “These things are everywhere. They’re ubiquitous.”
The legislation was co-sponsored by organizations like the California Product Stewardship Council, which highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the fee compared to the damages caused by battery fires. Doug Kobold, executive director of the council, noted that the fee is cheaper than the costs associated with fires and increased insurance premiums.
While the fee applies to most products with embedded batteries, single-use plastic vapes are exempt due to concerns about handling nicotine, a hazardous substance. However, these vapes are a rapidly growing source of battery waste, prompting legislative attention.
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