Senate committee debates battery-disposal bill, hears recycling industry testimony, leaves measure pending

The Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development heard Senate Bill 2050, a bill to restrict the improper disposal of consumer energy storage modules (including lithium-ion batteries), and left the measure pending after receiving industry testimony and clarifications in a committee substitute.

Senator Brian Birdwell, author of the bill, told the committee lithium-ion and similar batteries pose a significant fire risk at waste and recycling facilities and that current Texas law addresses lead-acid batteries but not modern consumer rechargeable batteries. “Lithium ion batteries pose a significant fire risk and improper disposal can result in catastrophic damage at these facilities,” Birdwell said.

The committee substitute clarified several points: it exempts de minimis household disposal during an educational transition period so individual consumers would not be penalized; it preserves existing lead-acid battery law; it removes an example list of battery types to avoid narrowing the definition; it prohibits placing batteries in mixed municipal recycling or mixed metal recycling streams unless a local program specifically allows a designated curbside receptacle; and it shields owners/operators of recycling and waste facilities from liability for batteries that arrive in their streams.

Charlie Fritz of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality attended as a resource witness. Jordan Vexler, owner of Monterey Metal Recycling Solutions and secretary of the Recycling Council of Texas, testified in support, describing safety risks and urging industry involvement in public education and collection efforts.

Senators and the author discussed emphasizing industry-led education and avoiding unfunded mandates on counties or municipalities. The author said the bill’s intent is to enable TCEQ to develop guidance and for industry to play a leading role in public education and safe collection practices.

Ending: Following testimony and discussion, the committee closed public testimony and left SB 2050 pending for further consideration and possible future hearings focused on recycling measures.