EPA’s New RCRA Guidance Finds Li-Ion Batteries Are ‘Hazardous Waste’

EPA’s New RCRA Guidance Finds Li-Ion Batteries Are ‘Hazardous Waste’

June 2, 2023, Inside EPA

Thomas Brugato’s commentary appeared in an Inside EPA article about the EPA's latest Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) guidance which determined that most lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, widely used in electric vehicles (EVs) and household appliances, are most likely to be "hazardous waste."

According to Thomas, some states may adopt tougher requirements than those EPA has laid out. "As EPA notes, most states have delegated authority to implement their own RCRA programs, and can impose more stringent requirements. Accordingly, generators, recyclers, and others who manage lithium ion batteries at the end of their lives should carefully evaluate potential state requirements," Thomas said.

"Given the increased focus on the recycling of lithium ion batteries, EPA and the states are likely to increase their compliance and enforcements efforts in this area, and so companies should take appropriate steps to ensure they remain in compliance," Thomas adds.

Click here to read the full article.