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. Producers must 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 2028. 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 public education initiatives.

Additionally, the bill creates a battery stewardship account funded by fees from producers to support DNR's oversight responsibilities. Producers are required to submit updated plans every five years, including corrective measures if previous performance goals were unmet. The legislation mandates the establishment of permanent collection sites for portable and medium format batteries by December 1, 2028, and imposes strict disposal regulations, prohibiting the mixing of covered batteries with municipal waste or recyclable materials. Violations can result in fines up to $10,000, and providing false information to the DNR is classified as a class D felony. The bill emphasizes the importance of proper battery management and recycling, ensuring that the stewardship framework is effectively implemented and enforced.

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