SB 1215 amends California’s Electronic Waste Recycling Act to include covered battery-embedded products (CBEPs) for the state’s e waste recycling program. Goal is to reduce battery fires in waste facilities, protect workers, and ensure proper recycling instead of landfilling.

·       Effective January 1, 2026

·       Covered Products: Electronic devices with batteries that are not easily removable using common household tools. Batteries in covered products are often embedded/sealed. Examples include wireless earbuds, smartwatches, electric toothbrushes, rechargeable devices etc.

·       Recycling Fee: Consumers pay a covered battery-embedded waste recycling fee at purchase – 1.5 % of the retail price, capped at $15 per item. This funds collection, recycling, and education/outreach.

·       Purpose/Goal: Expands existing e-waste program that was originally created for TVs and monitors. It now captures batteries to prevent improper disposal and fire hazards that occur often from lithium-ion batteries being thrown in the trash.

o   SB1215 applies to embedded/non-removable batteries in products. Loose/replaceable batteries are not subject to battery-embedded product fee. Separate rules (AB 2440) cover loose replaceable batteries.