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The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is pursuing legislative approval for a battery stewardship bill requiring manufacturers to fund a statewide recycling and disposal program. This initiative addresses the disposal of approximately 820,000 pounds of batteries each year, which contribute to landfill fires.

The bill, L.D. 474, was endorsed unanimously by the environment committee and aims to recycle single-use and lithium-ion batteries. If enacted, collection could begin in two years. Electric vehicle batteries will remain exempt. The bill must be approved by both the House and Senate and receive funding before reaching the governor.