Battery Embedded Products

Beginning January 1, 2026, California customers purchasing certain products with integrated batteries may be subject to a recycling charge established under Senate Bill 1215. This requirement applies to products that contain batteries designed in a manner that prevents the battery from being readily removed by the user with no more than commonly available household tools. Products meeting this definition are considered covered battery-embedded products under the applicable California requirements.

The purpose of the recycling requirement is to support the proper management and recycling of products that contain batteries that are not intended to be easily separated from the primary product. Because integrated batteries can create additional considerations at the end of a product’s useful life, the applicable California program establishes a specific fee structure for qualifying products sold within the state.

A covered battery-embedded product generally refers to an item containing a battery where the battery cannot be conveniently removed by the consumer using ordinary household tools. The determination is based on the design and accessibility of the battery rather than simply whether a product contains a battery. Customers should therefore refer to the applicable product information when determining whether a particular item falls within the covered category.

For California purchases, the applicable recycling fee is collected at the time the qualifying product is purchased. The requirement applies specifically to customers purchasing covered products in California. The amount of the charge is established by CalRecycle and may change from year to year as the relevant program and fee schedule are updated.

Customers who are purchasing battery-integrated equipment should review the available product information to determine whether the item is included among the products subject to the California recycling requirement. A product listing is available to help identify applicable battery-embedded products. Reviewing the relevant listing can provide additional information when customers need to determine whether a particular product is included within the covered category.

The recycling fee is separate from the underlying purchase price of the product. When a covered product is purchased by a California customer, the applicable charge is collected as part of the transaction in accordance with the state requirements. Because the fee is administered under California’s recycling framework, the amount may be adjusted periodically rather than remaining permanently fixed.

Customers may also consult California government resources for additional information about the recycling program, covered products, fee requirements, and related responsibilities. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration provides information concerning the Covered Electronic Waste Recycling Fee and related industry topics. CalRecycle also provides resources concerning products containing embedded batteries and the applicable recycling framework.

Understanding whether a product qualifies as a covered battery-embedded product can be important when reviewing the total cost of a purchase in California. Customers should consider the applicable recycling charge alongside the product price and other transaction details. The requirement applies based on the applicable California rules and the characteristics of the product being purchased.

Products containing batteries are not necessarily covered solely because they contain a battery. The relevant definition focuses on whether the battery is designed to be removed by the product user using no more than commonly used household tools. Products that meet the applicable definition are subject to the program requirements described for covered battery-embedded products.

The product listing associated with this information is intended to provide a reference for identifying qualifying items. Customers who need to determine whether a particular product is included should consult the available listing and the applicable California resources. If additional clarification is required, the relevant state agencies provide further information about the program and its administration.

The California recycling requirement reflects a broader effort to address the end-of-life handling of products containing batteries that are integrated into their design. Proper recycling and responsible disposal can help ensure that products containing embedded batteries are managed through appropriate channels rather than being handled in the same manner as ordinary household products.

Because the recycling fee may be adjusted annually, customers should not assume that the amount charged for a covered product will remain unchanged over time. The applicable fee is determined under the California program and may be revised in accordance with the state’s established process. The amount collected at checkout therefore reflects the fee applicable to the transaction at that time.

California customers seeking additional details about the Covered Electronic Waste Recycling Fee can review information provided by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Information concerning embedded batteries and related recycling requirements is also available through CalRecycle. These government resources can provide further guidance concerning the scope of the program, covered products, fee administration, and recycling responsibilities.

Customers should retain purchase information when appropriate, particularly if documentation concerning the applicable recycling fee or product classification may be needed later. Product information and transaction records can make it easier to identify the applicable equipment and understand how the California requirement was applied.

The recycling charge described here applies to qualifying products sold to customers in California beginning January 1, 2026. Customers outside California are not subject to this specific California purchase-time fee based solely on the information provided in this notice. The applicable requirement is tied to California sales of products that meet the covered battery-embedded product definition.

For questions concerning whether a specific product is included in the covered product category, customers should first review the applicable product listing and California regulatory resources. Additional information from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and CalRecycle can help customers understand the requirements associated with covered battery-embedded products and the recycling fee that may apply at the time of purchase.

Maintaining awareness of these requirements helps California customers understand why an additional recycling charge may appear during checkout when purchasing certain battery-integrated products. The fee supports the state’s established recycling framework and is collected according to the requirements applicable to covered battery-embedded products. As the program develops, customers should refer to the relevant California resources for the most current information concerning covered products, fee amounts, and related requirements.