Hybrid and electric vehicle batteries to be recycled in British Columbia, producers are responsible

As part of British Columbia’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Five-Year Action Plan (2021-2026), new items are eligible for recycling in the province. EPR puts the cost of recycling items on the producer (manufacturers, distributors and retailers), not local governments. It’s been in place since 2004 and already covers everything from light bulbs to paint.

Under the action plan, hybrid and electric vehicle batteries are eligible to be recycled.

By 2040, all new light-duty cars and trucks sold in B.C. will be zero-emission. Unlike other vehicle components that are already regulated and responsibly managed by producers, like oil and antifreeze, a reliable province-wide system to safely repurpose and recycle hybrid and electric vehicle batteries needs to be developed.

Producers will be responsible for implementing, funding and managing battery recycling programs. Changes will be phased in over a 5-year implementation period to give producers time to set up the necessary systems. Producers have flexibility to find the most efficient and innovative ways to meet regulated outcomes.

Learn more here.