In the near future, I will introduce legislation creating a statewide stewardship program for lithium-ion battery disposal. This program would provide for the safe disposal of these batteries.
 
Lithium-ion batteries are found in many household items from cell phones to lawnmowers to snowblowers.   Currently, consumers are disposing of these types of batteries in their weekly trash and/or recycling removal. If not properly disposed, these batteries can unfortunately be volatile. Over the past few years, fires have occurred at facilities such as a state-of-the-art recycling business in York County causing tens of millions of dollars in damages. More recently, a fire at a barn storing these batteries in a township in Lancaster County also caused extensive damage.  Hazmat officials on the scene of the barn fire stated that lithium-ion battery fires can burn at 1,000 degrees, while normal fires burn at 600 to 700 degrees.
 
As fire damage resulting from improper handling of lithium-ion batteries has increased in the last few years, so has the need to address this safety hazard. This proposed legislation would assist battery manufacturers in creating a statewide stewardship program for safe disposal. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection would approve the take back program submitted by the manufacturers and provide public education.
 
My legislation models legislation introduced and passed in other states, including California, Vermont, and Illinois. The proposal has the support of stakeholders including battery manufacturers and the waste industry.
 
Please consider co-sponsoring this important legislation.