Relates to the inclusion of batteries used in bicycles with electric assist in the rechargeable battery recycling program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

A 1705 adds e-bike batteries to New York's rechargeable battery recycling program, expanding producer responsibility and take-back rules to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Overview

Bill number and title: A 1705 — Relates to the inclusion of batteries used in bicycles with electric assist in the rechargeable battery recycling program.

Sponsor: Linda Rosenthal (primary).

Introduced: January 14, 2025.

Status: Referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee (listed twice in the version notes).

Related bill: A 10665 (prior-session).

What the bill would do

The bill would add batteries used in bicycles with electric assist (e-bike batteries) to New York’s rechargeable battery recycling program.

By expanding the scope of the program, the bill would bring e-bike batteries under the same recycling and end-of-life management framework that currently applies to other rechargeable batteries covered by the program.

The specific duties, standards, and procedures—such as collection requirements, producer responsibilities, labeling, reporting, and funding mechanisms—would be defined in the bill’s provisions once enacted.

Who and what would be affected

Manufacturers and distributors of e-bike batteries would become subject to the program’s requirements (e.g., responsibilities for end-of-life management and funding).

Retailers and sellers of e-bike batteries may be obligated to provide information, participate in take-back or collection programs, and comply with program rules.

Consumers of electric bicycles would benefit from improved recycling options and safer disposal pathways for used batteries.

Recyclers and collection programs would gain expanded business scope and potential regulatory duties related to e-bike batteries.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill has been introduced and referred to the Environmental Conservation committee, indicating the start of committee consideration. No further actions (hearing, amendments, or floor votes) are listed in the provided information.

The presence of a related bill from a prior session (A 10665) suggests ongoing legislative interest in strengthening the state’s rechargeable battery recycling framework.

Context and potential impact (informational)

The proposed expansion aligns with environmental objectives to improve safe handling and recycling of lithium-based and other rechargeable batteries.

If enacted, the bill could increase producer responsibility for e-bike batteries and standardize disposal practices across a broader range of batteries.

Potential considerations include administrative costs for compliance, the adequacy of recycling infrastructure for larger batteries, and the harmonization with existing state programs for rechargeable batteries.

Next steps for interested readers

Monitor committee hearings and floor action in the Assembly for A 1705.

Review the full text of the bill once released to understand specific duties, timelines, exemptions, and funding arrangements.

Compare with A 10665 and any related measures to gauge consistency and potential changes to the recycling program.

Bill