New Hampshire’s General Court passes legislation banning the disposal of batteries at landfills and incinerators.
New Hampshire’s General Court recently passed HB1386, which bans the disposal of batteries at landfills and incinerators. As the push toward electrification continues, battery technology will grow in importance both at the consumer end and at utility-scale. If not properly disposed of, battery technology also poses a serious fire hazard, endangering resident safety and public infrastructure.
New Hampshire’s ban on landfill and incinerator disposal is in line with a popular trend around the country. Last summer, the EPA issued a new memorandum promoting the recycling of lithium-ion batteries versus disposal. During the 2024 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed HB468/SB532, establishing the Commission to Advance Lithium–Ion Battery Safety in Maryland, tasking the body with examining issues around lithium-ion battery safety and making legislative, regulatory, programmatic, or other recommendations.
Battery safety in general, and lithium-ion batteries in particular will continue to be an important issue for county leaders to watch. As technology progresses, less voliatle options will continue to come to market, but until then state and county leaders must be united in protecting resident safety while also advancing new infrastucture.
