California’s Senate Bill 1215 brings significant updates to the recycling and disposal requirements for products containing embedded batteries, effective January 1, 2026. It builds on the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 with the goal of reducing battery-related fire risks in waste and improving recycling practices.
Under this legislation, purchasers of new or refurbished battery-embedded products will incur a recycling fee at the point of sale. The scope of covered items expands to include any electronic device with a battery that cannot be easily removed using common tools, such as certain toys, toothbrushes, wireless earbuds, and smart watches. Beginning in 2026, manufacturers must ensure these products display their name or brand as well as battery chemistry information either directly on the product or clearly accessible via their website.
Additional key implementation milestones include April 1, 2026, when CalRecycle will begin accepting fee payment claims from approved recyclers who collect and process these items, and August 1, 2026, when CalRecycle may adjust the recycling fee on an annual basis.
Retailers offering covered products must register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and collect the applicable fee of 1.5% to a maximum of $15 per item at the time of sale. (California Senate Bill No. 1215, effective January 1, 2026)