Track 2: Mid-format Batteries – In-Person Working Session on Exploring Collection Best Practices and Labeling Guidelines
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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 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, and environmentally sound and safe, and that optimizes value and use of materials, including critical minerals.
On January 27-28, 2025, EPA hosted an in-person working session in Arlington, Virginia for Track 2: Mid-format batteries as part of EPA’s battery collection best practices and voluntary labeling guidelines initiative. For the purposes of these discussions, mid-format batteries are rechargeable batteries between 11 and 25 pounds or 300 to 2000 watt-hour ratings. This includes e-bikes, e-scooters, portable power stations, and outdoor power equipment. The in-person working session convened practitioners across the battery life cycle. Participants included battery and electronics manufacturers and producers, battery collectors, sorters, recyclers; and relevant federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institute for Standards and Technology. EPA began the two-day meeting by facilitating presentations on EPA’s work to date, existing policies, and feedback gathered from prior working sessions. Participants discussed mid-format battery collection challenges, policy gaps, and opportunities for harmonization across states. Conversations on the first day focused on state and local policies, labeling requirements, and strategies for promoting recycling behaviors. Participants explored topics such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, fire safety messaging, and policy future-proofing to address evolving battery chemistries and capacities. Attendees evaluated barriers to recycling and effective communication strategies and shared insights on the role of labeling in consumer education.
On the second day, the U.S. DOE Office of Manufacturing and Supply Chains outlined two grant programs that provide businesses with capital to develop battery manufacturing, processing, and recycling infrastructure projects. Following DOE’s presentation, EPA led breakout discussions focused on strengthening collection systems, addressing storage and transportation challenges, and expanding retailer and municipal roles. After, each breakout group shared key takeaways from their discussions with the rest of the group. Finally, Cirba Solutions presented on the role, needs, and concerns of battery recyclers after transporters drop the batteries off at recycling facilities. The meeting concluded with a wrap-up of key takeaways, including recommendations for improving mid-format battery recycling and collection systems. These insights will help inform the development of EPA voluntary labeling guidelines, collection best practices, national education campaign, and national EPR framework to enhance recovery of critical minerals, improve our domestic supply chain, and keep both workers and communities safe.
EPA will hold a follow-up report-out virtual session on March 12, 2025 from 3:30-4:30PM ET to share materials with a wider audience.