On April 2nd, 2026, Governor Tony Evers signed SB 702 into law, establishing a statewide battery EPR (extended producer responsibility) in Wisconsin. The law requires producers of certain batteries and battery‑containing products sold in or into Wisconsin to participate in an approved battery stewardship organization and comply with new collection, management, and marking requirements.
SB 702 shifts end‑of‑life management responsibility for covered batteries from local governments to producers and is administered and enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Wisconsin joins Oregon and Kentucky this year, signing battery EPR into law, beyond multiple US states already having it established.
Covered Batteries: Products in Scope Under SB 702
SB 702 applies to producers of covered batteries, defined as follows:
Portable batteries
- Rechargeable batteries weighing no more than 11 pounds
- Non‑rechargeable batteries weighing no more than 4.4 pounds
Example of products covered: power tools, cordless appliances, consumer electronics, small rechargeable devices, and household battery‑powered products.
Medium‑format batteries
- Rechargeable batteries weighing more than 11 pounds but not more than 25 pounds, or
- Rechargeable batteries exceeding 300 watt‑hours but not more than 2,000 watt‑hours, or
- Non‑rechargeable batteries weighing more than 4.4 pounds but not more than 25 pounds
Example of products covered: e‑mobility devices, large power tools, energy storage units used in consumer products, and certain industrial or commercial equipment batteries.
This also includes certain lithium‑ion batteries that meet the above criteria.
There are some exemptions.
Key Compliance Milestones & Deadlines
January 1st, 2027
- Market access is only allowed if producers are participating in a Wisconsin DNR‑approved battery stewardship organization.
January 1st, 2029
- Battery labeling requirements take effect, including chemistry identification and proper disposal information.
Compliance Checklist: What Producers Should Do Now
Although key compliance obligations begin in 2027, producers selling batteries or battery containing products into Wisconsin should begin:
- Confirming whether their batteries fall within the covered battery definitions
- Monitoring the establishment and approval of battery stewardship organizations
- Preparing for battery labeling changes and sales restrictions
- Tracking Wisconsin DNR guidance related to plan approvals, reporting and implementation
Early action will help producers manage compliance risk and ensure uninterrupted access to the Wisconsin market.
Need support navigating SB 702?
H2 Compliance helps producers assess applicability, clarify battery PRO participation requirements and fees, and track implementation developments as Wisconsin’s battery EPR program becomes a reality.
Contact our team to learn how SB 702 affects your products and compliance obligations.
Published April 16th, 2026
This article was generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence.