Track 1b: Small Format Batteries - Collection Systems and Locations
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Summary
As required by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is developing battery collection best practices and voluntary battery labeling guidelines to improve battery collection and recycling and reduce safety incidents that threaten waste management worker safety. EPA is developing battery collection best practices for state, Tribal, and local governments to recycle batteries in a manner that is technically and economically feasible, environmentally sound and safe, and optimizing value and use of materials, including critical minerals.
On April 11, 2024, EPA hosted the first virtual meeting for Track 1b: small format battery collection as part of EPA’s battery collection best practices initiative. During the meeting, EPA first shared an overview of universal waste and batteries to provide additional context on how the battery collection and labeling initiative intersects with universal waste regulations. Representatives from Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and Chittenden Solid Waste District shared the history of the state’s battery stewardship program, sharing best practices for battery collection and raising consumer awareness. The South Bayside (California) Waste Management Authority presented curbside battery collection challenges and successes, including public outreach strategies to improve collection rates and reduce fires.
Then, meeting attendees split into breakout groups to discuss other successful collection strategies for small format batteries, including policy options, outreach campaigns, and funding strategies. Participants also discussed what types of materials would be most helpful for EPA’s final collection best practices toolkit. EPA wrapped up the call by providing dates and goals for upcoming meetings and encouraging participants to submit additional input via batteries@epa.gov.
Speakers
- Ellen Meyer, Batteries and Critical Minerals Senior Scientist, Resource Conservation and Sustainability Division, U.S. EPA.
- Pat Wise, Program Analyst, Resource Conservation and Sustainability Division, U.S. EPA.
- Mia Roethlein, Environmental Analyst, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
- Gary Winnie, Hazardous Waste Facility Manager, Chittenden Solid Waste District.
- Julia Au, Senior Outreach, Education & Compliance Manager, Rethink Waste South Bayside Waste Management Authority.
- Pat Tallarico, Facilitator, Eastern Research Group Support Team.