MN SF2975

Establishes a product stewardship program for primary batteries (nonrechargeable batteries weighing 2 kilograms or less) effective January 1, 2016, requiring producers to participate in an approved stewardship plan or stewardship organization.

Requires stewardship plans to provide free battery collection with at least two collection facilities per county, accept up to 20 batteries per consumer visit, include education and outreach programs, and ensure responsible recycling of collected batteries.

Producers or stewardship organizations must submit annual reports detailing collection weight, collection rates, and program costs, and undergo independent third-party audits every five years to assess program effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

Imposes an annual administrative fee of $15,000 per approved stewardship plan and allows civil actions for damages (up to three times actual costs plus attorney fees) against noncompliant producers who do not operate an approved program.

Preempts local ordinances regulating primary battery disposal and stewardship programs, and establishes civil penalties not to exceed $1,000 per day for producer noncompliance.