This bill aims to improve the management of electric vehicle (EV) batteries at the end of their life cycle by establishing producer responsibility requirements for battery providers. It introduces new definitions and responsibilities for stakeholders involved in the lifecycle of propulsion batteries, including auto recyclers and specialized battery recyclers. Key provisions require battery providers to register with the Department of Ecology by January 1, 2026, and ensure responsible end-of-life management of spent batteries. Additionally, solid waste collection companies and handling facilities are prohibited from accepting propulsion batteries for disposal starting June 1, 2029. The bill also mandates that secondary handlers and users coordinate with specialized battery recyclers when batteries can no longer be reused.

Furthermore, the legislation establishes an electric vehicle battery recycling account to manage fees collected from battery providers, which will fund the implementation and enforcement of the new regulations. It sets penalties for non-compliance and outlines the process for appealing such penalties. The bill introduces new definitions, including "vehicle battery," "battery stewardship organization," and "covered battery," while clarifying that certain types of batteries, such as those in medical devices or propulsion batteries, are excluded. It emphasizes environmentally sound management practices and outlines the roles of producers in ensuring compliance, with a provision stating that if any part of the act is deemed invalid, the remaining sections will still be enforceable.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.355.090, 70A.555.010
Substitute Bill: 70A.355.090, 70A.555.010