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HB 6159

Environmental protection: recycling and waste utilization; recycling of single-use and rechargeable batteries; provide for. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding secs. 17121 & 17161 to subpt. 2 pt. 171. TIE BAR WITH: HB 6160'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Aragona and 9 co-sponsors

Michigan HB6159 creates a state-end-of-life battery stewardship framework requiring producers to implement approved take-back and recycling plans, with enforcement and cost-recover

bill electronically reproduced 07/03/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 6159

Overview

House Bill 6159 (2025-2026) from Michigan would create a new battery stewardship framework under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. It adds sections 17121 and 17163 to establish definitions, requirements for battery-containing products and stewardship programs, and enforcement/recourse mechanisms. The bill ties its effectiveness to HB 6160 (a tie-bar) and would take effect only if that companion measure is enacted.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish a framework for end-of-life management of covered batteries (both rechargeable and primary) and battery-containing products.
  • Create and regulate stewardship organizations or independent producers to Increase battery collection and recycling rates.
  • Provide legal remedies for underperforming producers and for costs associated with recalls, damage, or noncompliance.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions (Sec. 17121)

  • Battery: Device with one or more electrochemical cells designed to store and deliver energy.
  • Battery-containing product: Product sold or distributed in the state containing covered batteries; excludes covered electronic devices.
  • Battery recycler: Entity that adheres to permits and handles end-of-life processing of batteries.
  • Battery recycling program: Program for end-of-life battery management.
  • Brand, collection rate, collection site, consumer, and other defined terms to support program administration and accountability.
  • Covered battery: Portable, medium-format, or other batteries within specified weight/size limits; excludes certain categories (e.g., embedded, medical device batteries, lead-acid batteries over 11 pounds in some cases, mercuric oxide, vehicle power batteries, etc.).
  • Medium-format and portable/rechargeable vs primary batteries: Clear thresholds for designation.
  • Producer and stewardship program/plan: Roles and obligations for entities selling or distributing covered batteries or battery-containing products; includes criteria for brand ownership and importer of record.
  • Recycling definition: Emphasizes recovery for manufacturing or usable materials; excludes disposal, incineration, energy generation from recyclables, and processes that return batteries to their original form.

Stewardship framework and obligations (Sec. 17121)

  • Stewardship Organization: Either a producer directly implementing a plan or a nonprofit designated to implement the plan.
  • Stewardship Plan: Approved by the Department (MDHHS/EGLE equivalent in Michigan context) for battery end-of-life management.
  • Plan/Program: Must provide safe, proper end-of-life handling and comply with state requirements.

Enforcement and remedies (Sec. 17163)

  • Civil Actions: A stewardship organization or independent producer may sue a producer that sells or offers for sale covered batteries or battery-containing products not included in a stewardship plan and causing costs above $1,000 in this state for collection, transport, recycling, or disposal.
  • Recalled/Damaged/Defective Batteries: Civil actions to recover costs associated with handling such batteries.
  • Underperformance: Actions against other stewardship organizations or producers that underperform on collection obligations, with cost recovery roughly equivalent to costs imposed on the plaintiff plus legal fees.

Stakeholders affected

  • Producers and brand owners that sell or distribute covered batteries or battery-containing products in Michigan.
  • Stewardship organizations and independent producers who would implement plans and oversee end-of-life battery management.
  • Local collection sites and retailers involved in battery take-back programs.
  • Consumers who purchase and ultimately dispose of covered batteries.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date contingent on enactment of HB 6160 (tie-bar). If HB 6160 is enacted, HB 6159 would take effect as specified by the enacted version.
  • Provisions establish a multi-year perspective for collection rates and plan performance, though specific annual timelines for program development, reporting, or milestones are not detailed in the text provided.
  • Department approval of stewardship plans; civil enforcement mechanisms and cost-recovery procedures are spelled out, creating a formal framework for oversight and lawsuits.

Notes

  • The bill is introduced in July 2026 and would require the companion tie-bar measure to be enacted to become effective.
  • The text emphasizes end-of-life battery management, with explicit exclusions for certain battery types (embedded, lead-acid over 11 pounds in some cases, mercuric oxide, vehicle batteries, etc.).

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side mapping of each definition and provision to potential impacts on retailers, recyclers, and consumers, or compare this framework to existing Michigan battery-recycling programs.

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

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