View all text of Subchapter VI [§ 6961 - § 6966d]
§ 6966c. Best practices for battery recycling and labeling guidelines
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Administrator
(2) Battery
The term “battery” means a device that—
(A) consists of 1 or more electrochemical cells that are electrically connected; and
(B) is designed to store and deliver electric energy.
(3) Recycling
The term “recycling” means the series of activities—
(A) during which recyclable materials are processed into specification-grade commodities, and consumed as raw-material feedstock, in lieu of virgin materials, in the manufacturing of new products;
(B) that may include collection, processing, and brokering; and
(C) that result in subsequent consumption by a materials manufacturer, including for the manufacturing of new products.
(b) Best practices for collection of batteries to be recycled
(1) In general
The Administrator shall develop best practices that may be implemented by State, Tribal, and local governments with respect to the collection of batteries to be recycled in a manner that—
(A) to the maximum extent practicable, is technically and economically feasible for State, Tribal, and local governments;
(B) is environmentally sound and safe for waste management workers; and
(C) optimizes the value and use of material derived from recycling of batteries.
(2) Consultation
(3) Report
(4) Authorization of appropriations
(c) Voluntary labeling guidelines
(1) In general
There is established within the Environmental Protection Agency a program (referred to in this subsection as the “program”) to promote battery recycling through the development of—
(A) voluntary labeling guidelines for batteries; and
(B) other forms of communication materials for battery producers and consumers about the reuse and recycling of critical materials from batteries.
(2) Purposes
The purposes of the program are to improve battery collection and reduce battery waste, including by—
(A) identifying battery collection locations and increasing accessibility to those locations;
(B) promoting consumer education about battery collection and recycling; and
(C) reducing safety concerns relating to the improper disposal of batteries.
(3) Other standards and law
The Administrator shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that voluntary labeling guidelines and other forms of communication materials developed under the program are consistent with—
(A) international battery labeling standards; and
(B) the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act (42 U.S.C. 14301 et seq.).
(4) Authorization of appropriations
(Pub. L. 117–58, div. G, title IV, § 70401, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1261.)