New Jersey brings law to boost EV battery recycling

A law passed in January as the “Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Battery Management Act” will hold sellers accountable for collecting and managing used electric vehicle (EV) batteries across New Jersey.

Companies need to create plans to reuse, recycle, or manufacture EV batteries. This could include take-back programs, partnerships with recycling facilities, or even developing their recycling strategies.

The law aims to create a circular economy for EV batteries and extract valuable materials instead of wasting them. It also helps to cut reliance on new mining and reduce impacts on the environment.

It will be applied to any EV firm selling EV batteries in New Jersey and includes vehicle or battery manufacturers, importers, and brand or trademark licenses.

Similar laws have been enforced by the District of Columbia for the single-use and rechargeable battery mandate in 2021. It was followed by California in 2022 and Washington in 2023.

As of June 2023, 123,551 EV registrations as reported by the latest data from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

“New Jersey has taken a forward-looking, and holistic view of the true value of these batteries,” said Senator Bob Smith, Chairman of the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee and sponsor of the bill. “We developed guidance for those in the growing recycling industry that will support innovation, job creation, and environmental stewardship from reusing materials and parts.”

Starting January 1, 2027, a “propulsion” battery sold in the state, whether embedded in a vehicle or not, will need to include a permanent label to provide information about the battery.

The battery information on the battery should be directed according to the DEP rules and regulations before the sale, import, and distribution of the battery for use in the state.

(via – Green biz)