The bill sHB5226 File No. 654 establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for consumer batteries in Connecticut, set to take effect on October 1, 2024. It defines key terms related to the program, such as "battery stewardship organization," "covered battery," and "producer," and outlines the responsibilities of producers, which include joining a registered battery stewardship organization and implementing an approved stewardship plan. The bill mandates that by January 1, 2026, producers must participate in a stewardship plan for portable batteries, and by January 1, 2028, for medium format batteries. Retailers are prohibited from selling batteries from non-compliant producers starting July 1, 2026, for portable batteries and July 1, 2028, for medium format batteries. The bill also specifies that no point-of-sale fees can be charged to consumers for the stewardship program.

Additionally, the bill outlines the operational requirements for battery stewardship organizations, including the need to provide accessible collection sites, achieve specific recycling efficiency rates, and conduct public education and outreach activities. It mandates that organizations submit annual reports detailing their activities and compliance with performance goals. The bill includes provisions for penalties for non-compliance, with civil penalties of $7,000 per violation and potential criminal charges for false statements. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is tasked with overseeing the program, approving stewardship plans, and maintaining a public website with information on participating producers. Overall, the bill aims to enhance battery recycling efforts and ensure environmentally sound management practices in the state.