Governor Evers signed the Battery Recovery and Fire Prevention Act into law on April 2, creating a new recycling program for dangerous batteries. The bill was authored by Representative Joel Kitchens, who said, “I like to say that this is the most important bill I’ve worked on that no one knows anything about. Almost everyone is walking around with a potential fire hazard that can very quickly reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.”
The new law aims to address safety concerns related to high-powered batteries used in everyday devices. It establishes a battery stewardship program requiring manufacturers to join or create battery stewardship organizations responsible for collecting and recycling certain batteries sold in Wisconsin. Starting one year after enactment, producers will not be allowed to sell covered batteries or products containing them unless they are part of a Department of Natural Resources-approved stewardship plan.
Additionally, the act introduces a statewide ban on disposing of covered batteries in landfills, incinerators, or regular recycling streams beginning in 2028. Steve Estes from GFL Environmental supported the legislation and testified about several fires at his business caused by these types of batteries.
In 2025 alone, there were more than eight reported fires in Wisconsin related to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, including an incident that destroyed a home in Brighton. These fires can release toxic fumes and heavy metals, posing risks to public health. Improperly discarded batteries may also contaminate soil and groundwater with chemicals such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium.
Kitchens represents Door County, Kewaunee County, and parts of Brown County. He was elected as a Republican to the Wisconsin State House in 2015 for the state’s 1st House district after replacing Garey Bies according to Ballotpedia.
