The proposed bill establishes a comprehensive battery stewardship framework in Iowa, requiring producers and retailers to comply with specific regulations regarding the sale and disposal of covered batteries and battery-containing products. Key provisions mandate that producers submit a battery stewardship plan to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by January 1, 2027, detailing collection and recycling goals, consumer awareness strategies, and safety protocols. The bill prohibits the sale of covered batteries unless they are part of an approved stewardship plan and properly marked for recycling, with compliance deadlines set for January 1, 2028, and January 1, 2029. It also introduces new definitions related to battery stewardship and outlines the responsibilities of battery stewardship organizations, including the establishment of permanent collection sites and reimbursement of local governments for collection costs.

Additionally, the legislation creates a battery stewardship account funded by fees from producers to support DNR's responsibilities. Producers must submit a new stewardship plan every five years, with corrective measures if performance goals are not met, and are prohibited from charging consumers a point-of-sale fee for the stewardship plan. The bill includes strict disposal regulations, requiring that covered batteries be disposed of only at approved collection sites starting January 1, 2028, and imposes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential felony charges for providing false information. Overall, the bill aims to enhance battery recycling efforts and mitigate environmental impacts associated with battery waste.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22.7, 455D.10A, 455F.1, 455.10A