On February 28th, the Oregon House Energy and Environment Committee heard testimony regarding HB 2938 – the Oregon Small Rechargeable Battery Stewardship Act. Similar to legislation being considered in Washington State, HB 2938 would have several requirements for a product stewardship program including easy access for the public to collection sites and the safe handling of rechargeable batteries according to state and federal laws. The bill is not intended to impact those that simply want to collect batteries but focuses on ensuring that those who put the batteries into the marketplace are financing the proper disposal of those products. Call2Recycle believes that if such legislation were approved it would create a level playing field for retailers, manufacturers and other interested parties by empowering industry to self-regulate participation and compliance, as well as increase the diversion of rechargeable batteries from landfills.
Call2Recycle® has collected over 775,000 pounds of rechargeable batteries in the state of Oregon since formal records were kept in 1999. The program collects from 434 sites from throughout the state, including major retailers like Best Buy, Lowe’s, The Home Depot and Staples, as well as with partners such as Kaiser Permanente, Nike and Oregon State University. Metro Portland, Marion and Lane counties are among many municipal locations that use the Call2Recycle program to support their environmental efforts and provide a valuable recycling resource to their residents, while diverting hazardous material from local landfills.
Carl Smith, CEO & President of Call2Recycle, gave testimony at the hearing in support of the legislation. Another hearing is expected, potentially within the next two to six weeks.
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