Washington’s new battery stewardship law (SB 5144) is bringing new requirements for retailers that sell covered batteries and battery-containing products in the state. The goal of the law is to ensure batteries are responsibly managed at end of life through a producer-funded recycling program.
Key retailer obligations include:
- Sell only compliant brands. Beginning July 1, 2027, retailers may only sell covered portable batteries and battery-containing products from producers that participate in an approved battery stewardship plan. Beginning July 1, 2029, the same requirement applies to covered medium-format batteries and battery-containing products. Retailers can use the state’s list of participating producers and brands to verify compliance.
- Verify battery marking requirements. Beginning January 1, 2028, covered batteries and battery-containing products sold in Washington must meet state battery marking requirements. These markings identify the battery brand, chemistry, and indicate that the battery should not be disposed of in household trash.
- Private label brands require special attention. If a retailer owns or sells a private label covered battery brand or battery-containing product brand, that brand is considered a producer brand under the program and must be included in an approved stewardship plan before it can continue to be sold in Washington. Retailers with private label brands should confirm those brands are registered and participating in the program.
- No point-of-sale stewardship fee. Retailers may not charge customers a separate fee to recover battery stewardship program costs.
The Battery Network will provide retailers with educational materials, compliance resources, and a list of participating brands and producers to help prepare for implementation and ongoing compliance.
Bottom line: Retailers should begin reviewing their product portfolios now, especially any private label battery or battery-powered product brands, to ensure they will be included in an approved stewardship plan before the program requirements take effect. The Battery Network maintains a list of compliant producers and brands on our website to assist retailers with portfolio review.
