On 7 April 2026, Governor Tina Kotek signed HB 4144 into law, establishing a new statewide battery producer responsibility program in Oregon.
HB 4144 requires producers of covered batteries and battery‑containing products to participate in an approved battery producer responsibility organization (PRO) as a condition of selling or distributing these products in or into Oregon after the program commencement date.
Products in Scope
HB 4144 applies to producers of:
- Portable batteries
- Medium‑format batteries
- Battery‑containing devices, except those covered under Oregon’s existing electronics (WEEE) program
Key Compliance Milestones
- Program commencement date: 1 July 2029
From this date forward, covered batteries and battery‑containing products may only be sold in Oregon if the producer participates in an approved PRO.
- PRO plan submission deadline: 1 September 2028
Battery producer responsibility organization plans must be submitted to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for review and approval.
Program Structure
HB 4144 supports a multi‑PRO framework, allowing for more than one battery producer responsibility organization to operate, subject to DEQ oversight and approval.
DEQ is responsible for administering and enforcing the Act, including review of producer responsibility program plans and oversight of ongoing compliance.
What Producers Should Do Now
Although the program does not commence until 2029, the passage of HB 4144 marks the beginning of formal implementation, producers should begin preparing now by:
- Confirming whether their batteries or battery‑containing products are in scope,
- Evaluating available participation pathways under the multi‑PRO framework, and
- Monitoring DEQ rulemaking, program plan development, and upcoming submission requirements.
Engaging early allows producers to reduce uncertainty, plan for upcoming obligations, and position their organizations for a smooth transition into Oregon’s battery producer responsibility program.
Need support navigating HB 4144?
CGlobal, the EPR consulting division of H2 Compliance, helps producers assess applicability, provide clarity on PRO participation requirements and fees, and track implementation developments as Oregon’s battery producer responsibility program becomes a reality.
Contact our team to learn how HB 4144 affects your products and compliance obligations.
Published April 10th, 2026
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