Senate Bill 702 mandates that battery stewardship organizations in Wisconsin must establish and manage programs for the collection and recycling of covered batteries, which include both portable and medium format batteries. The bill defines a battery stewardship organization as an entity designated by battery manufacturers to implement a stewardship plan approved by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Starting January 1, 2027, producers are prohibited from selling covered batteries or products containing them unless they are part of an approved stewardship plan, which includes requirements for annual reporting, consumer education, and proper identification of the battery's producer. Additionally, by January 1, 2029, batteries must also be marked to indicate their chemistry and disposal instructions.

The bill also introduces penalties for non-compliance, including civil forfeitures of up to $7,000 for intentional violations. It prohibits the disposal or incineration of covered batteries in landfills starting January 1, 2028, requiring that they be delivered to designated collection sites instead. The DNR is tasked with maintaining a public website that lists approved stewardship plans and producers, and the bill outlines specific requirements for the stewardship plans, including collection site accessibility, safety training, and public outreach efforts. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance battery recycling efforts and reduce environmental harm from improper disposal.