CT HB05019

Requires producers selling covered batteries or battery-containing products in Connecticut to participate in and fund a battery stewardship organization by January 1, 2027, with stewardship plans due to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection by July 1, 2026

Covers portable batteries (rechargeable up to 11 lbs/300 watt hours; primary up to 4 lbs 6 oz) and medium format batteries (rechargeable 11-25 lbs or 300-2,000 watt hours; primary 4 lbs 6 oz to 25 lbs), excluding motor vehicle batteries, medical device batteries, and electronics already covered under existing law

Prohibits retailers from selling covered batteries or battery-containing products after July 1, 2028 unless the producer participates in an approved stewardship plan, and bans point-of-sale fees to consumers for program costs

Mandates minimum recycling efficiency rates of 60% for rechargeable batteries and 70% for primary batteries, with free statewide collection through permanent sites and collection events at no cost to consumers or municipalities

Requires battery labeling with producer identification by January 1, 2028, and chemistry identification plus disposal warnings by January 1, 2030, with annual reporting to DEEP beginning June 1, 2029 and administrative fees capped at $50,000 annually per stewardship organization