The proposed bill, known as the "Lithium Battery Recycling and Safety Act," aims to establish a comprehensive battery recycling program in Missouri. It mandates that any person or entity involved in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of batteries must either establish or join a representative organization that will develop a battery recycling plan. This plan must be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources for approval every five years and should include details such as contact information for participants, funding methods, collection rate goals, and public outreach strategies. The bill also outlines the definitions of key terms related to battery recycling, including what constitutes a "battery" and a "collection site." Furthermore, the bill prohibits the manufacture, distribution, or sale of batteries in Missouri unless the entity participates in an approved battery recycling program. It also specifies that batteries must only be disposed of at designated collection sites and not in household waste. The Department of Natural Resources is tasked with enforcing compliance and may impose penalties for violations. Additionally, the representative organization is required to submit an annual report detailing the program's financial assessment, collection rates, and other relevant information, which will be made publicly available on the department's website.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6327H.01): 701.155