New Battery Recycling Law in Illinois
Illinois is the 16th state to pass a law, the Portable and Medium-Format Battery Stewardship Act, which regulates the safe collection, recycling, and management of batteries, including those in everyday electronics like phones and laptop computers. The law requires companies that sell batteries or products with batteries to pay into a statewide battery stewardship organization to cover the costs of collecting and shipping batteries from local sites. This is good news for the City of Champaign and here’s why!
- Cost relief for local programs – The City of Champaign already offers a battery recycling drop-off program at its Public Works Department. But now, this program shifts the financial burden of battery recycling away from local government entities and onto the companies that produce and sell these batteries.
- More convenient recycling for residents – With producers funding the system, you’ll likely see more drop-off locations, better public awareness campaigns, and easier ways to recycle everyday batteries (phones, laptops, power tools, etc.).
- Environmental and safety benefits – Improperly disposed batteries, especially lithium-ion, can start fires in trash trucks or landfills, and also potentially leak harmful chemicals.
- Accountability for manufacturers – Companies now have a direct incentive to design safer, more recyclable batteries, reduce waste, and participate in a circular economy model.
The City of Champaign strongly encourages residents to not put batteries in the trash, as they pose environmental hazards and fire risks. Starting January 1, 2028, it will be illegal to dispose of covered batteries in regular trash or recycling, so if you’re not already, start recycling your batteries now by using designated drop-off locations to stay ahead of the law and help protect the environment and public safety! For more information or any questions, please contact Nichole Faust, Environmental Sustainability Specialist, at [email protected].