From News Desk

Vermont has officially expanded its battery recycling programme under a new law that significantly broadens the types of batteries that can be safely recycled statewide. Coinciding with National Battery Day, the launch highlights the importance of safe battery disposal and recycling. The expanded law is supported by The Battery Network, the state-approved battery stewardship organization, and makes it easier than ever for Vermonters to safely recycle batteries.

Under the expanded programme, Vermonters can now recycle most primary (single-use) and rechargeable batteries weighing up to 25 pounds (or 2,000 watt hours). This includes batteries from common household devices and battery-powered products such as remotes, toys, flashlights, cordless power tools, portable chargers, drones and more.

The expansion also includes medium-format batteries, such as larger rechargeable batteries used in electric and cordless lawn mowers, snowblowers, E-bikes and E-scooters. These batteries are typically larger than a cordless tool battery but smaller than an EV battery.

The programme addresses growing safety concerns associated with improper battery disposal , particularly fires at recycling and waste facilities caused by lithium-ion batteries; while continuing Vermont’s leadership in solid waste management and environmental stewardship.

“For the safety of our solid waste workers, our communities and the environment, it’s critical that batteries are properly managed,” said Josh Kelly for the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. “With the expansion of Vermont’s battery recycling programme, safely recycling batteries is now easier than ever. Vermonters can recycle most single-use and rechargeable batteries up to 25 pounds; or 2,000 watt hours, at more than 100 convenient locations across the state.”

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