What This Means for Your Business

Under Section 14-152(a)(1), qualifying retailers are required to establish an onsite Battery Collection and Recycling Program (“C&R Program") for Specialized Care Batteries and Rechargeable Battery Products. This program is designed to be straightforward and customer-friendly, and must:

• Be available at no cost to consumers;
  
• Operate during normal business hours;
• Accept applicable batteries consistent with your retailer classification (Large Volume, Small Volume, or Repair Service Retailer);
• Include clearly accessible and safe collection receptacles; and
• Ensure proper recycling in accordance with state and federal regulations (including Universal Waste requirements under 40 C.F.R. Part 273).

Additionally, Section 14-152(c) requires simple, clearly visible signage to help educate customers about safe battery disposal and the availability of in-store recycling.

The effective date for these requirements is May 1, 2026.

Why This Matters

This ordinance has been implemented to address documented public safety and environmental risks, particularly:

• The increasing incidence of fires caused by improper disposal of lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries in solid waste and recycling streams;

• The need to ensure safe end-of-life management of hazardous battery components;
  

• ​Alignment with state and federal regulatory frameworks governing Universal Waste; and
  
• Establishment of a convenient, retailer-based collection infrastructure to reduce improper disposal by consumers.

Retailers serve a critical role as accessible collection points, directly supporting fire prevention, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance across Broward County's solid waste system.

Required Action

If you have not already done so, you must immediately:

1. Establish and operationalize a compliant C&R Program;​
   
2. Install required collection infrastructure and signage; and
3. Ensure internal procedures align with handling, storage, and recycling requirements.

Some examples of Specialized Care Batteries include lithium-ion, rechargeable, and button-cell batteries. Though this is not an exhaustive list, these batteries ubiquitous and require a pro-active approach to recycling and proper disposal.

We're Here to Help

We understand that implementing new requirements can take coordination, and we are committed to assisting you. If you need guidance on setting up your collection program, signage, or compliance procedures, the County's Solid Waste and Recycling Services Division is available to provide support. Please email us at RECYCLE_RECOVER@broward.org.

Together, we can make battery recycling safer, easier, and more effective for everyone in Broward County.

Thank you for your partnership and commitment to this important effort! If you still have questions please visit our Q&A page​.

​Ordinance No. 2026-09: