Lawmakers in Oregon have passed legislation that would require battery manufacturers to establish and fund a statewide recycling system aimed at reducing environmental risks and fire hazards caused by improper battery disposal.
If signed into law, House Bill 4144 would make Oregon one of several states — including Washington, California, and Illinois — that require battery producers to take responsibility for collecting and safely managing used batteries.
Fires linked to lithium batteries
The bill was partly inspired by growing safety concerns linked to lithium batteries. According to Lane County Waste Management, improperly discarded batteries have caused fires at landfills, waste trucks and recycling facilities.
Waste reduction supervisor Angie Marzano said officials began pushing for stronger regulations after multiple dangerous incidents.
In 2025 alone, 56 fires linked to batteries were reported at Short Mountain Landfill, located south of Eugene.
“These fires were happening in landfills, trucks and sorting facilities,” Marzano said, emphasizing the need for a coordinated statewide solution.
Recycling system required by 2029
Under the proposed law, batteries would no longer be allowed in regular household trash. Instead, battery producers would have until 2029 to establish and finance a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) that would oversee the collection and recycling of used batteries.
The program must ensure that 95% of Oregon residents live within 15 miles of a battery collection location, making safe disposal more accessible statewide.
Current recycling options
At present, many residents can recycle rechargeable batteries at local facilities such as transfer stations operated by Lane County, as well as participating retail stores and electronics shops.
For example, stores like Bi-Mart and other electronics retailers already offer collection programs for certain types of batteries.
Awaiting governor’s decision
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality would be responsible for implementing the law and monitoring compliance from manufacturers.
The measure passed during the 2026 legislative session with bipartisan support and is now awaiting the signature of Tina Kotek.
If approved, the law would mark a significant step toward reducing battery-related waste and preventing fires linked to improper disposal.
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