1. (1) The general assembly finds that:

   1. (a) Multiple studies have established that expensive and hazardous risks result from the improper handling and disposal of batteries. It is in the public interest of Colorado residents to reduce the inherent risk of fires that can occur when batteries are improperly disposed of and to encourage the recovery of valuable materials in batteries that can be put back into the supply chain.
   2. (b) According to analyses conducted by several state organizations, access to collection, recovery, and recycling programs for portable small and medium-format batteries is limited, inconvenient, and costly for most Colorado residents. Colorado communities that operate battery collection events and facilities report that such events and facilities are costly for local governments to operate.
   3. (c) Without a coordinated battery stewardship program, consumers will continue to be confused about proper battery disposal;
   4. (d) Ensuring the proper recovery of used portable small and medium-format batteries prevents the ignition of fires and the release of toxic materials into the environment; and
   5. (e) It is the best practice for a battery stewardship program to collect all battery types and chemistries, as evidenced by successful battery stewardship programs operating in other states.
2. (2) The general assembly therefore declares that it is in the public interest of Colorado to require producers of batteries to finance and implement a coordinated, state-approved system that increases access to the safe disposal of batteries in Colorado.
3. (3) The general assembly further declares that battery stewardship organizations established pursuant to this part 10 are independent, nongovernmental entities and, for purposes of section 20 of article X of the state constitution, are not districts, as defined in section 20 (2)(b) of article X of the state constitution.

Source: L. 2025: Entire part added, (SB 25-163), ch. 421, p. 2380, § 1, effective August 6.