SB 501CALIFORNIASession 20252026

California SB 501 expands battery recycling requirements and oversight for producers

Original title: Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022: covered batteries.

August 30, 2026

battery recycling environmental regulation waste management consumer electronics hazardous waste ResponsibleBatteryRecyclingActof2022 coveredbatteries

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The Frame

What this does

The bill increases the regulatory and financial compliance obligations for battery producers and recyclers while expanding the types of batteries that must be collected and managed under the state's .

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Battery producers

They must comply with expanded definitions, new collection site requirements, and stricter record-keeping and audit standards.

Stewardship organizations

They are required to update stewardship plans to include new consultation and coordination requirements and demonstrate financial controls.

California Native American Tribes

They are now required partners for coordination with stewardship organizations under the updated act.

What changed

Last recorded activity August 30, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

This bill expands the definition of 'covered batteries' subject to state recycling programs, mandates new collection site requirements for different battery sizes, and increases the record-retention period for producers and recyclers from three to five years. It also grants the Department of Toxic Substances Control broader authority to inspect facilities and requires annual audits to follow specific financial accounting standards.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Why It Matters

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bill change how I recycle my household batteries?

The bill primarily changes the requirements for battery producers and recycling program operators, such as how they categorize batteries and where they must provide collection sites.

What happens if a battery has a security lock on it?

The bill clarifies that a battery is still considered 'easily removed' even if it has a security lock, provided the lock is only for anti-theft purposes and does not prevent the consumer from removing or recycling the battery.

News Coverage

Center1

1 source

Blind spot - only covered by center outlets

Lithium-ion battery fires a growing problem for Bay Area recycling centers

NBC Bay Area — Local NewsAug 12, 2026

Bias ratings based on AllSides / Media Bias/Fact Check

Related Legislation

State Bill