Batteries power nearly every part of our daily lives. As battery use continues to grow, the rate of improperly disposing batteries will follow. This can cause fires in garbage trucks and municipal waste facilities. When these incidents occur, taxpayers are ultimately burdened with the costs associated with facility repairs, increased insurance premiums, and emergency response.
“This bill shifts the cost from taxpayers to battery companies by encouraging private investment in establishing a statewide framework for managing used batteries at no cost to consumers,” said Alonso-Sandoval. “This would protect taxpayers and businesses while positioning Oklahoma to play a stronger role in our nation’s critical mineral supply chain. Diverting the amount of used batteries going to landfills will not only increase public safety, but help recover critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and rare earth metals for reuse in domestic manufacturing. This strengthens our national security efforts by reducing reliance on imported critical minerals, oftentimes from adversary nations. It is a necessary bill to keep Oklahomans safe and protect taxpayers from extra expenses, and I am thankful for the House of Representatives for its passage and look forward to continuing work on it as it moves through the Senate.”
The measure has garnered support from Recycling American Waste Control, Inc.
“The passage of HB1907 battery Extended Producer Responsibility bill, is an important milestone for the waste and recycling industry,” said Robert Pickens, Vice President of Recycling American Waste Control, Inc. “Batteries are one of the fastest-growing and most challenging materials in the waste stream. By establishing producer responsibility and investing in proper collection and recycling infrastructure, this legislation will help keep hazardous materials out of landfills, improve worker safety, and strengthen the recycling system that communities rely on every day.”
American Li-ion, a U.S.-based lithium-ion battery recycling company, also lauded the bill’s passage.
“As President and CEO of American Li-Ion, I strongly support HB 1907—the Battery Stewardship Act,” said President Kevin Hobbie. “This landmark producer-responsibility law, which passed the Oklahoma House on March 11, will create mandatory, convenient collection systems in every county and ambitious recycling targets for portable and medium-format batteries, including the lithium-ion packs that power our modern world. Crucially, this legislation is vital for establishing American energy dominance and bolstering national security. HB 1907 onshores our supply chain, reduces dependence on foreign adversaries like China—who could cripple our military capabilities in days by cutting off battery materials—and builds unbreakable resilience so America leads in defense technologies without vulnerability to supply disruptions. By turning battery waste into a strategic national asset right here in Oklahoma, we ensure our armed forces have the reliable materials needed for the drones and advanced systems that protect our nation.”
David Griesel, General Manager of the Oklahoma Environmental Management Authority, said the legislation is necessary.
“This is much needed legislation to assist in protecting individuals working in the solid waste and recycling management systems and help prevent dangerous fire situations,” said Griesel.
The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
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