Product stewardship for rechargeable batteries

In 1994, Minnesota enacted a rechargeable battery and products law, applying to any sealed nickel-cadmium, sealed lead acid or any other battery that can be recharged.

• Disposal prohibition. Rechargeable batteries and products with nonremovable rechargeable batteries cannot be disposed as mixed municipal waste.
• Collection and management programs. Required the rechargeable battery industry to develop and implement a state-approved collection program as a requirement of selling rechargeable batteries in the Minnesota.
• Sales prohibition. Rechargeable batteries and rechargeable products that do not meet the requirements for collection cannot be sold or distributed for sale in Minnesota. This prohibition applies to manufacturers and resellers. (Minn. Stat. 325E.125)

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is in the process of enforcing the terms of state law, working with manufacturers that are not in compliance.

Compliance

Manufacturers can meet the requirements for collection by becoming a licensee of the Call2Recycle program, an initiative of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC). RBRC was founded by the rechargeable battery industry in 1994 to meet the requirements of the federal Battery Act. Meeting the terms of the Call2Recycle license has the benefit of satisfying the requirements of state and federal legislation in the United States.

Manufacturers with recycling programs that satisfy the requirements above will be asked to detail the terms of their program.

Minnesota statutes

Rechargeable batteries and products (115A.9157)
General and special purpose battery requirements (325E.125)