The California government has decided to apply a surcharge, to devices containing batteries that consumers can’t remove. This makes sense because it costs more to recycle these batteries when they end up at recycling plants. It’s a case of paying for what you choose. Devices with non-removable batteries cost more in California now, but how much is more?
The Surcharge on Non-Removable Batteries
If you purchase a device with a non-renewable battery anywhere in California, expect to pay a 1.5% surcharge to the state government. This applies to any such device, although the maximum you pay, caps at $15.00.
The Los Angeles Times confirms this arrangement builds on an existing recycling program, for old televisions and computer monitors. The California senate approved the new bill, and implementation date has been ticking since 2022.
It was only fair to allow Californians time to adjust their purchasing habits, before devices with non-removable batteries cost more in the state. Charging a modest fee to recycle old monitors and televisions worked, because the numbers were manageable, and the rates were low.
But this is not the case with lithium battery-powered devices, that are out there in huge numbers. Something had to change, the California Senate agreed a few years ago, and now this is being implemented.
The Big Battery Challenge Facing Recyclers
The challenge of non-removable batteries in devices has escalated since the senate approved the bill. Powerful lithium batteries are everywhere, according to Los Angeles Times. A battery recycler told their reporter, “These things are everywhere. They’re ubiquitous wherever I look”.
But the problem that battery recyclers face now, is a few lithium batteries can malfunction, and cause injuries, even deaths. This likelihood increases if those batteries suffer physical trauma, as can happen when recycling them. If recyclers can see a battery, they can take proactive action.
But what happens if a battery is concealed inside a device in a garbage truck, or at a recycling plant? This greater risk of battery fires, must have contributed to the California Senate’s decision to impose the surcharge at points of sale.
This just leaves one more question. Do you think Californians will stop purchasing non-removable batteries that cost more now, or will they continue as before?
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