Extended Battery Producer Responsibility Framework - Definitions, Roles and Responsibilities, Cost Structures, and Alignment with Other Policy
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Summary
As required by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy are developing an extended battery producer responsibility framework. The framework will address battery recycling goals, cost structures for mandatory recycling, reporting requirements, product design, collection models, and transportation of collected materials. The framework will also support the United States’ broader goals of restoring domestic energy dominance and reducing dependence on foreign energy sources by increasing the recycling and recyclability of critical minerals and materials. Recycling batteries will also strengthen the domestic critical mineral supply chain, create jobs, and improve safety across the entire waste management and recycling industry.
On September 17–18, 2025, EPA and DOE held a hybrid in-person and virtual roundtable in the District of Columbia to gather individual battery industry perspectives on key elements for the extended battery producer responsibility framework. On the first day, EPA facilitated discussions on the definitions that are critical to battery EPR policies, including batteries, obligated producers, independent collectors, and recycling. The second day focused on the roles and responsibilities of producers and state governments, enforcement mechanisms, funding, cost structures, and alignment with other policy instruments. The roundtable concluded with a wrap-up of the key considerations and next steps. Participants also noted additional research needs and future considerations for framework elements.