Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, EPA is charged with developing labeling guidelines and collection best practices to improve the recycling rates of various types of batteries. This includes common single-use, rechargeable, and portable batteries in consumer products; batteries in vehicles; and industrial batteries and battery storage units. EPA will be holding working sessions during spring and summer 2024, which Tribes are encouraged to participate in. EPA hosted an initial working session for Tribes in May of this year, which focused on Tribal interests and concerns related to battery recycling. This session will build on these insights to explore key issues in more depth (e.g., collection in rural areas, community awareness and education, safety, shipping/transportation), discuss potential solutions, and technical and financial assistance opportunities. We plan to identify 1-3 Tribal communities that have successful battery collection programs to serve as conversation starters, and then invite participants to ask questions and provide their own insights and experiences.
