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Bill

H 968

An Act establishing a lithium-ion battery stewardship program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kate Hogan and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts establishes manufacturer-funded lithium-ion battery stewardship program requiring collection and recycling of used batteries from electronics and vehicles.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 968

Legislative bill overview

H 968 establishes a lithium-ion battery stewardship program in Massachusetts that creates a framework for responsible collection, recycling, and management of used lithium-ion batteries from consumer products and electric vehicles. The bill likely requires manufacturers to fund and organize collection and recycling systems rather than placing costs solely on municipalities or consumers.

Why is this important

Lithium-ion batteries contain valuable materials (lithium, cobalt, nickel) and hazardous substances that pose environmental and safety risks if improperly disposed of in landfills or incinerators. As electric vehicle adoption accelerates and consumer electronics accumulate, a structured stewardship program reduces environmental contamination, recovers valuable resources, and prevents fire hazards at waste facilities—while potentially reducing burden on municipal budgets.

Potential points of contention

  • Manufacturer compliance costs: Producers may argue stewardship requirements increase product prices or operational complexity, potentially affecting competitiveness
  • Funding mechanism fairness: Debate over whether costs should be recovered through product fees, manufacturer assessments, or other methods, and whether importers face equal obligations
  • Collection infrastructure adequacy: Questions about whether the program creates sufficient collection points (especially in rural areas) and properly incentivizes consumer participation versus illegal dumping
  • Recycling technology standards: Disagreement over environmental and safety standards for recycling processes and whether domestic versus international recycling facilities should be prioritized

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

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