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Bill

SB 3

End-of-Life Management of Electric Vehicle Batteries

2026 Regular Session

SB 3 establishes Colorado EV battery end-of-life management standards requiring collection, recycling, and safe disposal protocols to prevent environmental contamination and recover valuable materials.

Governor Signed
#naturalresources&environment
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Bill Summary · SB 3

Legislative bill overview

SB 3 establishes regulatory frameworks and requirements for the responsible collection, recycling, and disposal of electric vehicle (EV) batteries at the end of their operational life in Colorado. The bill likely addresses extended producer responsibility, battery recycling standards, and safe handling protocols to prevent environmental contamination and enable material recovery.

Why is this important

As EV adoption accelerates in Colorado, managing spent batteries prevents toxic materials (lithium, cobalt, nickel) from entering landfills while recovering valuable materials reduces mining demands and supply chain costs. Establishing clear state-level standards provides regulatory certainty for manufacturers, recyclers, and consumers as federal EV battery management rules remain incomplete.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Whether manufacturers bear full recycling costs (producer responsibility), consumers pay through fees, or the state subsidizes operations affects EV affordability and manufacturer competitiveness
  • Technology standards: Prescriptive recycling requirements may lock in current methods and inhibit innovation in battery recovery technologies still under development
  • Out-of-state compliance: Interstate EV battery logistics and whether Colorado standards apply to vehicles registered elsewhere creates jurisdictional and enforcement questions

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

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