HB5348 - Illinois Portable Batteries Stewardship Act

• Creates a battery stewardship program requiring producers selling covered batteries or battery-containing products in Illinois to participate in an approved stewardship organization beginning January 1, 2026.

• Establishes battery stewardship organizations that must develop and fund collection programs including at least one permanent collection site within 15 miles for 95% of Illinois residents for portable batteries, with specific requirements for medium format batteries beginning January 1, 2028.

• Requires covered batteries to be marked with producer identification and chemistry information to enable proper recycling, with labeling compliance required by January 1, 2029.

• Prohibits disposal of covered batteries in landfills, incinerators, or mixed recycling containers; mandates free collection through stewardship programs with no point-of-sale fees to consumers.

• Imposes civil penalties of $7,000 per violation and Class 4 felony charges for fraudulent statements to the Agency; requires annual reporting on collection rates, recycling efficiency (minimum 60% for rechargeable, 70% for primary batteries), and program performance.