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HB 2553

An Act amending the act of November 23, 2010 (P.L.1083, No.108), known as the Covered Device Recycling Act, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in duties of manufacturers and retailers, further providing for sales prohibition, for registration and for manufacturer plan and reporting; and, in administration, further providing for duties of department, for annual report and for enforcement.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 23 co-sponsors

Strengthens PA’s electronics recycling by tightening definitions, expanding manufacturer/retailer duties, and boosting oversight, reporting, and enforcement.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2553

Overview

HB 2553 (Pennsylvania, 2025-2026) seeks to amend the Covered Device Recycling Act of 2010. The bill expands and clarifies requirements related to the recycling of covered devices, strengthens manufacturer and retailer duties, and enhances state administration, reporting, and enforcement. It is sponsored by a broad caucus of representatives and includes multiple co-sponsors.

Main purpose and intent

  • To strengthen Pennsylvania’s framework for the recycling of covered devices (e.g., consumer electronics) by refining definitions, expanding prohibitions, and tightening registration, reporting, and enforcement obligations.
  • To improve accountability among manufacturers and retailers and to ensure proper processing and recycling of covered devices within the Commonwealth.
  • To enhance transparency and oversight through updated department duties and annual reporting.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions (preliminary provisions)

  • Revisions to definitions related to “covered devices,” responsible entities, and related terms to align with current industry practices and enforcement needs.
  • Potentially clarifies what constitutes a covered device and who is subject to obligations.

Duties of manufacturers and retailers

  • Sales prohibition: Expands or tightens prohibitions on certain sales practices or sources of covered devices (as defined by the act). Could include restrictions on selling non-recycled, unsafe, or improperly processed devices.
  • Registration: Requires manufacturers (and possibly retailers) to register with the Department of Environmental Protection or a designated state agency, outlining reporting and compliance requirements.
  • Manufacturer plan and reporting: Strengthens or extends requirements for approved recycling or collection plans, as well as periodic reporting on recovery, recycling rates, and program performance. May establish specific metrics, timelines, or penalties for noncompliance.

Administration

  • Duties of department: Enhances the state department’s role in administering the act, including approval processes for plans, compliance checks, and oversight of recycling programs.
  • Annual report: Mandates an annual report detailing program effectiveness, participation, recycling totals, and enforcement actions. This could include public-facing data and performance metrics.
  • Enforcement: Sets or clarifies enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and procedures for violations by manufacturers or retailers. May specify penalties (fines, registration revocation, corrective actions) and the process for enforcement.

Who would be affected

  • Manufacturers of covered devices operating in Pennsylvania or those selling within the state.
  • Retailers that sell covered devices or facilitate the sale of such devices.
  • State regulatory agencies (primarily the Department responsible for environmental/solid waste and recycling programs).
  • Consumers indirectly through improved recycling options and clearer device stewardship requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill outlines registration timelines for manufacturers and retailers (specific dates would be dictated in the final text) and periodic reporting cycles (likely annually or per program year).
  • It establishes administrative procedures for plan approvals, reporting submission, and enforcement actions, including potential transitional provisions to bring existing participants into compliance.
  • Enforcement actions would follow established penalties and due-process procedures defined in the act or by reference to the department’s enforcement framework.

Potential impacts

  • Increased compliance costs for manufacturers and retailers due to registration, plan development, and regular reporting.
  • Potentially higher recycling and proper disposal rates for covered devices due to stronger registration, accountability, and oversight.
  • More transparent state data on device recovery, materials management, and program performance.
  • Stronger deterrents against improper handling or illegal diversion of electronics.

Note

  • Specific dollar amounts, penalties, implementation dates, and detailed procedural steps will be defined in the final bill text and any accompanying regulatory guidance. This summary reflects the bill’s stated scope and likely areas of impact based on the provisions described.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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