An Act relating to including rechargeable batteries and battery-containing products under the State battery stewardship program S 254, was signed by the Governor on June 3rd, 2024, and comes into effect July 1, 2024. The oversight of the program is monitored by the Agency of Natural Resources.
This new law amends the existing battery stewardship program by expanding the scope to rechargeable batteries as well as battery-containing products and amends the existing definition of in-scope primary batteries. Certain exclusions apply, such as electronic products regulated under the state’s e-waste program, or batteries which are not easily removed.
The primarily obligated party is the Producer, which is prohibited from selling any in-scope product if not participating in a Battery Stewardship Program. This prohibition has an immediate effect on Producers of primary batteries who are already selling the products on the Vermont market, whereas for Producers of rechargeable batteries and battery-containing products, this applies from June 1, 2025. The small producer exemption has been abolished.
This prohibition is expanded to the Retailer from January 1, 2027, although certain exclusions apply.
The Producer can fulfill its obligations individually or by joining a Battery Stewardship Organization. From January 1, 2026, any new Producer of rechargeable batteries or battery-containing products will have to notify the Agency before the start of the sale, upon which it will be given 90 days to join a Battery Stewardship Organization or submit a stewardship plan.
The Battery Stewardship Organization must file a registration with the state authority by July 1, 2025. No timeframe in which this registration will be approved is specified.
The Agency of Natural Resources has been tasked with completing an assessment of opportunities, challenges, and feasibility of mandatory end-of-life management programs for batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles, battery energy storage systems, and batteries that are not easily removed by July 1, 2026.
What are the deadlines?
From July 1, 2024, rechargeable batteries and battery-containing products are in scope
From June 1, 2025, Producers of rechargeable batteries and battery-containing products must have an approved Battery Stewardship Plan
From July 1, 2025, Battery Stewardship Organizations must file a registration with the state authority
From January 1, 2026, primary batteries up to 25lbs are in scope
After January 1, 2027, Retailers are not allowed to sell products of non-compliant Producers
If you need support or have additional questions, please contact us at CGlobal-Sales@landbellgroup.com
Published July 15, 2024
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