On 10 April 2026, Governor Andy Beshear signed SB 49 into law, establishing a statewide Covered Battery Stewardship Program in Kentucky, the first EPR of its kind in the state. The law addresses the safe management of certain batteries at the end of life and prohibits the disposal of covered batteries in solid waste disposal or recycling containers.
SB 49 directs the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet to establish and administer the Covered Battery Stewardship Program and to collaborate with stakeholders to support the development of a battery stewardship organizations and approved stewardship plans.
SB 49 Scope: Which Covered Batteries and Products Are Regulated?
SB 49 applies to covered batteries, as defined in the statute. Covered batteries generally include portable and medium format batteries that can be easily removed from a product.
Example products: Phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, cordless power tools (drills, saws and garden tools), power banks, outdoor power equipment (electric lawn mowers, snow blowers and leaf blowers), e‑bikes, e‑scooters, UPS and portable power stations.
Kentucky Battery Stewardship Program Timelines and Milestones
31 March 2027
- The Energy and Environment Cabinet is required to establish the Covered Battery Stewardship Program and support administrative framework.
30 June 2027
- Voluntary battery stewardship organizations must begin submitting annual reports to the Cabinet detailing:
- Covered battery collection
- Battery recovery activities
- Educational outreach efforts
How Producers Can Prepare for the Kentucky Battery Disposal Ban
Producers, distributors, and other stakeholders involved with batteries sold in Kentucky should begin:
- Confirming whether their products contain covered batteries under the statute
- Monitoring the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s development of the Covered Battery Stewardship Program
- Tracking registration and plan submission requirements for voluntary battery stewardship organizations
- Preparing for public education, labeling, and disposal ban awareness efforts associated with the program
Early engagement will help stakeholders align with Kentucky’s battery stewardship objectives and reduce compliance and operational risk.
Managing Kentucky Battery EPR Compliance with H2 Compliance
Navigating Kentucky’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law requires more than just awareness; it requires a proactive technical and operational strategy. CGlobal, the EPR consulting division of H2 Compliance, provides the end-to-end expertise necessary to turn these new regulatory requirements into a seamless part of your business model, in Kentucky and beyond.
1. Scope Assessment & Product Mapping
Not all batteries are created equal under SB 49. Our team can help you perform a deep-dive audit of your inventory to:
- Identify Covered Batteries: Determine which products fall under the “portable” or “medium format” definitions.
- Reporting Categorization: Classify products by chemistry and weight to anticipate future stewardship fees.
2. Stewardship Organization (BSO) Strategy
The Kentucky law emphasizes collaboration with Battery Stewardship Organizations. Our team acts as your liaison to:
- Evaluate Participation: Analyze the benefits of joining specific stewardship organizations versus independently forming a stewardship organization.
3. Data Management & Annual Reporting
The June 2027 reporting deadline will be here sooner than it appears. Our team provides the digital infrastructure to track:
- Audit Readiness: Maintaining high-fidelity records for annual reports to the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.
Secure Your Kentucky Battery Compliance Strategy Today
Don’t let the March 2027 administrative deadline catch you off guard. Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, our team provides the clarity and technical support needed to mitigate operational risk and ensure full alignment with Kentucky’s new battery stewardship objectives.
Contact Our Team Today to schedule a regulatory impact assessment for your Kentucky operations.
Published May 5th, 2026
Article image generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence.