New California Fee Targets Battery-Embedded Products to Combat Fire Risks
Starting January 1, Californians will see a slight increase in costs when purchasing products with non-removable batteries. This change comes from a new law implementing a 1.5% fee on such items, a measure aimed at reducing the risk of battery-related fires.
As part of an expanded recycling initiative, this surcharge, which caps at $15, applies to any product with an embedded battery, including power tools, gaming consoles, and even singing greeting cards. This development stems from Senate Bill 1215, introduced by former state Sen. Josh Newman and signed into law in 2022.
Electronic Waste Evolution
California has been a forerunner in electronic waste management since 2003, initially imposing fees on computer monitors and TVs to prevent hazardous waste from reaching landfills. Over the years, as technology advanced, the electronic waste landscape has drastically changed.
Lithium-ion batteries, now more affordable and widespread, power numerous everyday items. These batteries, however, pose fire hazards, especially in recycling and waste facilities where conditions can cause them to ignite.
Joe La Mariana, executive director of RethinkWaste, highlighted the prevalence of these batteries, stating, “These things are everywhere. They’re ubiquitous.” The agency, co-sponsoring the legislation, oversees waste services across several San Mateo County cities.
Addressing Fire Hazards
To mitigate potential fires, Doug Kobold of the California Product Stewardship Council, a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized the cost-effectiveness of the fee. “Paying a small check‑stand fee to fund proper collection is far cheaper than million‑dollar fires, higher insurance premiums, and rate hikes passed back to communities,” he said.
Battery fires are not limited to waste facilities. They occur frequently, with the FAA reporting nearly two incidents on U.S. flights weekly. In residential settings, like a recent incident involving an electric scooter in a Los Angeles apartment, such fires can be hazardous.
Broadening Safety Measures
The new fee is part of California’s broader strategy to address lithium-ion battery risks. While most battery-embedded products fall under the new law, single-use plastic vapes are exempt due to concerns over handling nicotine. However, they remain a growing source of battery waste, prompting further legislative attention.
Assembly Bill 762, proposed by legislators Jacqui Irwin and Lori Wilson, aims to ban these vapes entirely, highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle battery waste challenges.
Beyond small devices, large-scale lithium-ion batteries also pose significant risks, as seen during the Los Angeles fires where abandoned electric vehicle batteries necessitated extensive cleanup efforts.
Ensuring Safe Disposal
With California’s shift towards clean energy, the safe disposal of batteries and their components becomes increasingly crucial. Meg Slattery from Earthjustice stresses the importance of considering the lifecycle of these materials: “The next question becomes … where are we sourcing materials, and thinking through what happens to this when we’re not using it anymore, which I think we’re not traditionally great at thinking about as a society.”
Original Story at calmatters.org