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HD 3028

An Act establishing a lithium-ion battery stewardship program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kate Hogan

Massachusetts requires lithium-ion battery manufacturers to fund statewide collection and recycling programs, shifting disposal responsibility from municipalities to producers.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 3028

Legislative bill overview

HD 3028 establishes a stewardship program requiring manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries to manage the end-of-life collection, transportation, and recycling of their products. The program creates a framework where battery producers fund and organize infrastructure for safe disposal and material recovery across Massachusetts.

Why is this important

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly prevalent in phones, laptops, power tools, and electric vehicles, but improper disposal creates environmental hazards (chemical leakage, fires in landfills) and wastes recoverable materials like cobalt and lithium. This program shifts responsibility from municipalities to manufacturers, potentially reducing public waste management costs while improving recycling rates and resource recovery.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on manufacturers: Battery makers may face significant compliance expenses, potentially raising product prices for consumers, or may limit Massachusetts operations to avoid registration requirements
  • Program administration complexity: Establishing collection infrastructure across a state requires coordination mechanisms; unclear how disputes over manufacturer obligations would be resolved or enforced
  • Definitional scope issues: The bill's coverage of "lithium-ion batteries" may create ambiguity about which products qualify (embedded vs. removable batteries, imported components, batteries in used goods)

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

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