Track 1a and 1b: Small Format Batteries – Tribal Consultation on the Universal Waste Regulations for Solar Panels and Lithium Batteries Proposed Rule
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Summary
On May 2, 2024, EPA’s Tribal Waste Management team held an informational webinar for Tribes that introduced the EPA’s plan for adding new universal waste categories for solar panels and lithium batteries and provided an overview of the Bi-partisan Infrastructure Law-mandated battery collection and labeling efforts. During the battery collection and labeling presentation, EPA shared context for the collection best practices and voluntary labeling guidelines; reviewed previous feedback received from Tribes; and asked a series of questions to understand additional thoughts and concerns around battery recycling.
Tribal participants noted that electric vehicle, small rechargeable, and large equipment/e-mobility batteries cause the most concern in their communities. They also shared barriers to battery collection, including lack of awareness of collection programs, need for proper training for those who handle batteries, high costs associated with sorting batteries, and difficulties obtaining the proper certifications for safely transporting and shipping batteries. Additionally, participants noted the that outreach materials such as simple flow charts that show how to package batteries for transport and identify the required paperwork would be helpful.