Governor Newsom signed SB 501 on 20 September 2026, expanding California’s Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022 to cover medium-format batteries, such as those in e-bikes, electric lawn and garden equipment, portable generators and UPS backup systems.
What SB 501 Changes for Battery EPR
SB 501 requires stewardship programmes to address format-specific collection networks and to show recycling performance. A stewardship plan may cover small-format batteries, medium-format batteries or both, and must state which.
The Act has not yet been implemented and CalRecycle’s implementing regulations remain proposed; CalRecycle may restart rulemaking to reflect SB 501.
What’s New
- Medium-format batteries are added: rechargeable batteries over 11 lb or over 300 Wh (up to 25 lb or 2,000 Wh), and non-rechargeable batteries of at least 4.4 lb (up to 25 lb).
- Small-format batteries remain up to 11 lb and 300 Wh for rechargeable, and up to 4.4 lb for non-rechargeable.
- A producer-provided key, app or locking device used only to deter theft or tampering does not stop a battery from being “designed to be easily removed”, if the producer warrants it does not inhibit removal, replacement or recycling.
- Retailers with five or more California locations must still make all locations permanent collection sites, but only for small-format batteries; medium-format collection applies where a location qualifies under the stewardship plan.
- Programme operators must show annual recycling efficiency of at least 60% for rechargeable batteries and 70% for non-rechargeable and primary batteries.
Key Dates & Timeline
Who and What Is in Scope
Industries: Batteries · E-mobility and e-bikes · Outdoor power equipment · Portable generators and UPS backup systems · Retail
Who is affected: Producers and importers of covered batteries and battery-containing products sold in California, stewardship organisations and retailers.
Products and standards in scope: Small-format and medium-format batteries covered by the Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022, now including medium-format batteries.
Requirements and restrictions: Producers must comply individually or through a stewardship organisation and give CalRecycle a list of covered battery brands sold in California; stewardship plans must show collection, transport, recycling and recycling-efficiency performance.
What Companies Should Do
- Check whether any of your products use medium-format batteries by weight and watt-hour.
- Confirm your stewardship organisation covers medium-format batteries and submit your brand list when required.
- Review battery removability and any locking features against the “designed to be easily removed” clarification.
California’s battery EPR scheme now reaches e-bike and equipment-size packs. Producers should map their medium-format battery brands and engage a stewardship programme early.
Related: EPR and PPWR compliance services | NI Applies EU Batteries Regulation From 2026
California Legislative Information — SB 501, Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022: covered batteries — https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB501
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