Track 1a: Small Format Batteries – In-person Working Session on Battery Labeling
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Summary
As required by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is developing battery collection best practices and voluntary battery labeling guidelines to improve battery collection and recycling and reduce incidents that threaten waste management worker safety. EPA is developing battery collection best practices for state, Tribal, and local governments to recycle batteries in a manner that is technically and economically feasible, and environmentally sound and safe, and that optimizes value and use of materials, including critical minerals.
On June 12-14, 2024, the EPA hosted an in-person working session in Arlington, Virginia for Track 1a: small format battery labeling as part of the EPA’s voluntary labeling guidelines initiative. The in-person working session convened practitioners that develop or use battery labels, including: battery and electronics manufacturers and producers, battery collectors, sorters, recyclers; relevant federal agencies; and more. EPA began the three-day meeting with several presentations on existing labeling standards and EPA’s vision for the labeling guidelines that will be published in 2026. Participants then discussed what battery labeling research or projects they are currently working on and what success in battery labels is to them. Next, participants moved into the breakout discussions focused on consumer behaviors and label information needs for properly managing end-of-life small format batteries.
On the second day, breakout discussions focused on various types of collection sites that accept small format batteries and what information they might need on battery labels to improve collection while ensuring safety. Next, manufacturers, municipal recycling facilities, and battery sorters shared their unique perspectives on small format battery labels. The meeting concluded with a wrap-up of the key messages and considerations discussed during plenary and breakout discussions that will inform the voluntary battery labeling guidelines and other communications. Participants also noted additional research needs and policy considerations prior to developing the voluntary battery labeling guidelines.
On July 16, 2024, EPA hosted a virtual working session to report on information shared during the June in-person meetings. You will be able to access the slides and recording on the July 16 summary webpage soon.