PA State Rep. Josh Siegel is leading the effort to create a statewide rechargeable battery stewardship program to address the fast-burning and uber-hot fires caused when lithium-ion batteries are thrown into trash or recycling bins where they don’t belong.
The waste and recycling industry, battery manufacturers and members of the agricultural community were in attendance today at a news conference to support Siegel’s battery stewardship legislation and public education campaign about what to do when rechargeable batteries are at the end of their useful lives.
“Lithium-ion is used to power rechargeable batteries and these batteries are used to power just everything in our modern lives,” said Siegel. “My legislation would create a statewide program to properly manage the disposition of these batteries when they are ready to be discarded. This approach is supported by battery manufacturers, the waste and recycling industry, fire officials and agricultural groups. My bill would offer a significant step forward in addressing the serious and increasing fire risks presented by portable rechargeable batteries that Pennsylvanians are unknowingly throwing in their trash cans and recycling bins.”
Mary Keenan, the executive director at the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association, which represents the private sector waste and recycling industry, hosted the event. “Rep. Siegel’s battery stewardship legislation will address the growing epidemic of dangerous fires caused by the improper disposal of rechargeable batteries,” said Keenan. “The bill’s extensive consumer education component will help Pennsylvanians understand how to safely dispose of these batteries and will protect life and property from an alarming increase in fast-burning fires. The waste and recycling industry would like to thank Rep. Siegel for his leadership in spearheading this important worker and public safety issue.”
Erika Young, Waste Management, emceed the event. “Lithium-ion batteries are causing fires on trucks, burning down recycling facilities, and starting fires on planes, homes, and workplaces. These fast-moving fires burn hotter and are harder to extinguish,” said Young. “We are gathered this morning to announce PWIA’s partnership with Rep. Siegel to promote legislation aimed at creating a safer workplace and community.”
George Kerchner, executive director of The Rechargeable Battery Association, was also in attendance. “The Rechargeable Battery Association supports Rep. Siegel’s work on House Bill 2241,” said Kerchner. “It would establish in Pennsylvania a mandatory portable battery collection and recycling program funded by battery and product manufacturers. The bill is aligned with similar legislation currently being considered by five other states and adopted into law by three states over the past three years. We look forward to working with Rep. Siegel and other Pennsylvania legislators on this important environmental protection and safety legislation.”
“Fire is one of a farmer’s greatest fears,” said Wayne Campbell, representing the PA Grange. “It is not just the barn or building. It is the equipment, the inputs to agriculture like feed and fertilizer, and the animals. These dangers can be a threat to society as a whole.”
Tim Servinsky with the Center for Survey Research at Penn State Harrisburg shared the results of a recent survey developed by the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center. Over 1,000 Pennsylvania residents were asked about their awareness of the fire dangers associated with rechargeable batteries as well as current options for their disposal.
“This survey tells us that 75% of respondents have disposed of batteries in their trash or recycle bins, largely because they didn’t know what else to do with them,” Siegel said. “Pennsylvania’s firefighters, waste and recycling workers and the general public deserve a clear and safe process for the disposal of these increasingly ubiquitous rechargeable batteries.”
Survey highlights include:
- 85% of survey respondents believe that Pennsylvanians need more options for the safe handling, disposal, and recycling of lithium ion and rechargeable batteries.
- 79% of survey respondents agree that they need more information about how to safely handle and dispose of lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries.
- 5% of survey respondents believe that Pennsylvania should have a law that says how lithium ion and other rechargeable batteries should be recycled.
Siegel’s bill (H.B. 2241) was referred to the PA House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on April 29 and is awaiting a vote.