Track 2: Mid-Format Batteries – Consumers Information Needs and Safety Concerns
On this page:
Summary
As required by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA is developing battery collection best practices and voluntary battery labeling guidelines to improve battery collection and recycling and reduce incidents that threaten waste management worker safety. The EPA is developing battery collection best practices for state, Tribal, and local governments to recycle batteries in a manner that is technically and economically feasible, and environmentally sound and safe, and that optimizes value and use of materials, including critical minerals.
On October 30, 2024, the EPA hosted a virtual working session for Track 2: mid-format batteries on consumers information needs and safety concerns. For the purposes of these discussions, mid-format batteries are rechargeable batteries between 11 and 25 pounds or 300 to 2000 watt-hour ratings. This includes e-bikes, e-scooters, portable power stations, and outdoor power equipment.
This session provided an overview of key consumer challenges for safely handling mid-format batteries for recycling and different approaches for addressing these concerns, including the role of labels and educational materials. The session began with the EPA providing background and timelines for the collection best practices and labeling guidelines, along with an introduction to mid-format batteries and their associated challenges.
Four speakers discussed current industry insights and shared experiences with implementing programs and policies for safely managing mid-format batteries. First, the EPA discussed the import and export processes for hazardous waste, focusing on black mass and battery materials under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Next, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) presented on safety standards and labeling for lithium-ion batteries in consumer products. John Orlando, retired Supervising Fire Marshal from the Fire Department New York (FDNY), provided insights into New York’s micromobility safety initiatives, including recent updates to fire codes or battery storage and charging facilities. Finally, Battery Council International (BCI) concluded the session by discussing lead-acid battery collection and consumer education, emphasizing BCI’s extensive recycling networks, and the impact of industry-driven legislation in promoting responsible battery disposal and recycling.
Participants asked questions throughout the working session; these questions and answers are summarized in the slides linked below. In between speaker presentations, participants also shared their perspectives around the evolving mid-format battery landscape and life cycle through a Q&A. EPA concluded the session by providing dates and goals for upcoming working sessions and encouraging participants to submit additional input via batteries@epa.gov.
Speakers
- Ellen Meyer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Pat Tallarico, Facilitator, Eastern Research Group (ERG) Support Team.
- Jana' Deming, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Jay Kadiwala, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- John Orlando, retired, New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
- Roger Miksad, Battery Council International (BCI).