California Signed New Laws Regulating Battery Disposal
New legislation expands battery recycling rules to improve safety in California households.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new slate of laws requiring manufacturers to manage medium-format batteries, such as those found in e-bikes and lawn equipment, through product stewardship programs. These rules aim to reduce fire risks caused by improperly discarded batteries in waste and recycling streams.
Why it matters
Improperly discarded batteries frequently ignite in garbage trucks and recycling facilities, creating significant safety risks for the public. This legislation addresses these hazards by ensuring battery producers take greater responsibility for the lifecycle of their products.
SB 501 expands the Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022 to include medium-format batteries, while AB 28 sets a $100,000 maximum fine for landfill temperature violations.
The players
Gavin Newsom
The current Governor of the United States state of California who signed the new legislative slate.
CalRecycle
The California state department responsible for recycling and waste management that will oversee landfill corrective actions.
Chiquita Canyon Landfill
A California waste facility that has experienced persistent subsurface temperature problems since 2022.
The details
The new laws require manufacturers of e-bike and lawn equipment batteries to participate in product stewardship programs to ensure proper disposal. To address landfill safety, AB 28 empowers CalRecycle to mandate corrective action plans for facilities experiencing subsurface temperature issues like those seen at Chiquita Canyon Landfill since 2022.
Timeline
2022: The Responsible Battery Recycling Act was signed and Chiquita Canyon issues began.
August 2026: An analysis of SB 501 identified specific battery-related fire risks.
September 2026: Governor Newsom signed the new slate of laws.
The Home Front
This legislation expands the established framework of the Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022 to cover new categories of consumer batteries. These rules mark a shift toward stricter producer responsibility for waste management across California.
Check your household battery disposal habits, especially for lithium-ion batteries from power tools and e-bikes, as these should no longer be placed in standard curbside bins. Contact your local waste management agency to identify authorized drop-off locations for medium-format batteries.
The takeaway
California has enacted stricter rules to prevent battery fires and landfill hazards. Always check local waste guidelines before disposing of rechargeable batteries to ensure they are handled through approved stewardship programs.
Further reading
For more information on how evolving disposal standards impact the state, visit Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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