On December 19, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed New York Senate Bill 73 (S00073) into law, which amends the state’s environmental conservation law. It marks a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to address environmental and safety challenges associated with rechargeable batteries used in electric scooters and bicycles with electric assist.
Key Provisions of the Amended Law
The law expands the scope of covered rechargeable batteries, and adds a novel provision:
- Expanded Definition: The law now includes batteries used as the main electric power source for e-scooters and e-bikes in the definition of “rechargeable battery,” bringing these increasingly common devices under the state’s recycling and safety regulations.
- Not subject to this law are rechargeable batteries used as the principal electric power source for wheelchairs, golf carts, trac-12, or automobiles, boats, trucks.
- Local Enforcement in Large Cities: Cities with populations over one million—such as New York City—are granted authority to enforce key aspects of the law through local agencies, with civil penalties collected directed to the city’s general fund.
And keeps the usual extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations:
- Producer Responsibility: Battery manufacturers are prohibited from selling, offering for sale, or distributing any rechargeable batteries in New York state unless they are operating under an approved collection, transportation, and recycling plan. This ensures that companies play an active role in the safe disposal and recycling of their products.
- Retailer Requirements: Retailers must accept used rechargeable batteries of a similar size, shape, and function as they offer for sale, from consumers at any time during business hours, and display clear signage informing customers about recycling and disposal laws. Retailers are also required to coordinate with manufacturers for regular battery removal and train employees on safe handling and emergency procedures, especially concerning fire hazards.
- Annual Reporting: Manufacturers must submit annual reports detailing the number, type, and weight of rechargeable batteries collected and recycled, including identification of cities with a population over one million where collection occurs.
What’s Next?
Battery manufacturers must create or join an organization with an approved collection plan.
Smart manufacturers will review their supply chain now, ensuring that they will have easy access to the data needed for their annual reports, and that they are providing retailers with safe battery handling information.
Want to get a powerful assist on compliance? Contact us!
Published December 23rd, 2025