Oregon Battery EPR Law

The U.S. state of Oregon has enacted House Bill 4144 (2026), establishing a comprehensive battery producer responsibility (EPR) framework. The law requires battery producers to finance and manage the collection, transportation, and recycling of covered batteries, marking a significant expansion of product stewardship obligations in the U.S.

The bill has been signed into law (March 2026) and introduces enforceable compliance requirements for battery manufacturers and related stakeholders.

Regulatory Developments

HB 4144 mandates that producers of batteries and battery-containing products must:

• Join or establish a Battery Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)
• Implement a statewide battery collection and recycling program
• Ensure safe management, transportation, and processing of collected batteries
• Submit program plans and periodic reports

The program must ensure a convenient and accessible collection of systems for consumers across the state.

Core Compliance Requirements

Under the new law:

• Producers are financially responsible for end-of-life battery management
• Participation in an approved PRO is mandatory
• A Battery Producer Responsibility Fund is established to support implementation and administration
• The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is designated as the enforcement authority
• Civil penalties may be imposed for non-compliance.

Scope & Thresholds (Clarification)

The law applies broadly to “covered batteries” and battery-containing products, with the following scope considerations:

• Covers portable and medium-format batteries
• Includes batteries embedded in products (where applicable)
• No explicit tonnage threshold for producer obligation—all covered producers are subject to compliance

Exclusions (indicative):

• Certain large industrial batteries (e.g., heavy lead-acid batteries above defined weight limits)
• Specific medical or specialized applications (subject to definition in the Act)
• This reflects a broad EPR scope without volume-based exemptions, increasing regulatory coverage across the battery value chain.

Who is Affected?

The law applies to:

• Battery manufacturers
• Importers and brand owners placing batteries on the Oregon market
• Producers of battery-containing products (e.g., electronics, appliances)
• Retailers (indirect obligations such as participation in collection systems)
• Companies selling into Oregon must ensure compliance regardless of their physical presence in the state.

Compliance & Operational Impact

The new framework will require companies to:

• Finance and manage collection and recycling systems
• Coordinate with PROs for compliance
• Ensure traceability and reporting of battery flows
• Align product design and labeling with recyclability requirements

The law is expected to increase operational and compliance costs, while also improving environmental outcomes and circularity.

Implementation & Enforcement

Status: Enacted (March 2026)

• Implementation details (e.g., program approval timelines, reporting cycles) will be administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
• Enforcement includes civil penalties for violations

Oregon HB 4144 introduces a robust battery EPR regime, shifting responsibility for end-of-life battery management to producers. With broad scope and no tonnage-based exemptions, the law significantly expands compliance obligations and sets a precedent for similar legislation across other U.S. states.

Source: View Enrolled HB 4144