Environmental protection: recycling and waste utilization; recycling of single-use and rechargeable batteries; provide for. Amends heading of pt. 171 & secs. 17101, 17104, 17105b & 17107 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.17101 et seq.); designates secs. 17101 - 17109 as subpt.1 of pt. 171; adds subpt. 2 to pt. 171 & repeals sec. 17105c of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.17105c). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6159'26

This bill amends Michigan's environmental laws to strengthen regulations on the recycling and disposal of single-use and rechargeable batteries. It establishes a new "battery stewardship" program that will require producers to manage the end-of-life disposal of covered batteries starting in 2028, ensuring they are handled through approved programs rather than general waste. The legislation also sets a sales ban on certain covered batteries beginning in 2028, allowing only those from manufacturers with approved stewardship plans to be sold. Additionally, the bill updates existing definitions and penalties for improper battery disposal while creating a formal process for producers to submit and have their disposal plans reviewed by the state department.