On September 20, 2026, California Governor Newsom signed California bill SB 501 into law, which modifies provisions of the state’s Responsible Battery Recycling Act (AB 2440 or the Act). AB 2440, enacted in 2022, establishes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program administered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (Department). It lays out rules “for the collection, transportation, and recycling, and the safe and proper management, of covered batteries in California in an economically efficient and practical manner.” AB 2440 creates an extended producer responsibility program for certain types of covered loose batteries, expanding the universe of covered batteries while establishing key exemptions. SB 501 adds several definitions and creates new obligations for producers of batteries covered by AB 2440 that businesses should be aware of.

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