NH HB1602

Requires producers of covered batteries and battery-containing products sold in New Hampshire to participate in an approved battery stewardship organization and plan by July 1, 2028, or be prohibited from selling in the state

Covers portable batteries (rechargeable up to 11 lbs/300 watt-hours, primary up to 4.4 lbs) and medium format batteries (rechargeable 11-25 lbs/300-2,000 watt-hours, primary 4.4-25 lbs), with exemptions for motor vehicle batteries, medical devices, and recalled batteries

Stewardship organizations must fund all program costs including collection, transportation, recycling, education, and reimbursement to local governments and the Department of Environmental Services for administrative expenses

Plans must be submitted to DES by January 1, 2028 for portable batteries and January 1, 2029 for medium format batteries, with annual reporting requirements and plan updates every five years

Estimated state administrative costs of $31,000-$48,500 annually (fully reimbursed by stewardship organizations) and potential municipal cost savings of at least $150,000 per year by eliminating local battery collection expenses