The proposed bill establishes a comprehensive stewardship program in Minnesota for the management of circuit boards, batteries, and electrical products, aiming to enhance environmental protection through proper disposal and recycling of electronic waste. It introduces new definitions for key terms such as "battery," "circuit board," and "covered product," and creates the Covered Products Reimbursement Board to recommend reimbursement rates for collectors. The bill also includes provisions to prohibit the use of mercury in batteries and authorizes rulemaking to implement the program. It amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes, specifically sections 115.071, 115A.121, and 115A.554, while repealing numerous existing statutes related to hazardous waste and electronic product management to streamline the regulatory framework.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific responsibilities for stewardship organizations and collectors, including compliance with approved plans and equitable access to services. It mandates that stewardship organizations submit regular reports to the commissioner and allows for amendments to stewardship plans under certain conditions. The bill also establishes a framework for calculating recycling fees for manufacturers based on their recycling obligations and includes reporting requirements to ensure compliance. Furthermore, it prohibits the disposal of covered products in solid waste and mandates proper labeling and management of these products. The effective dates for various provisions are set for January 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028, with the aim of promoting public awareness and enhancing recycling efforts across the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 115.071, 115A.121, 115A.554, 116.92, 115A.9157
1st Engrossment: 115.071, 115A.121, 115A.554, 116.92, 115A.9157