Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

I intend to introduce legislation that would create a statewide stewardship program for lithium-ion batteries. This program would provide for the safe disposal of these batteries.
 
Lithium-ion batteries are found in several household products from cell phones to lawnmowers to snowblowers.   Currently, consumers dispose of the batteries in their weekly trash removal. If not properly disposed, these batteries can be volatile. Over the past few years there have been fires at a state-of-the-art recycling facility in York County causing millions of dollars in damage. More recently a fire at a barn storing these batteries in Lancaster County caused extensive damage.  Hazmat officials on the scene of the Lancaster fire stated that lithium-ion battery fires can burn at 1,000 degrees, while normal fires burn at 600 to 700 degrees.
 
My proposed legislation would assist battery manufacturers in creating a statewide stewardship program for safe disposal. The Department of Environmental Resources would approve the take back program submitted by the manufacturers and provide public education of the disposal plan.
 
My legislation models legislation introduced and passed in other states, including California, Vermont, and Illinois. The proposed legislation has the support of battery manufacturers and the waste industry.
 
Please consider co-sponsoring this important legislation.