State Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, has filed legislation to keep dangerous batteries out of household trash, improving waste management practices, and reducing the risk of fires at landfills and recycling facilities across Kentucky. The bill addresses a growing problem across the state from batteries, especially rechargeable batteries, being thrown into regular trash or recycling bins.
When these batteries are crushed or damaged during collection and processing, they can ignite and create serious fire hazards for waste workers, damage equipment, and threaten nearby communities. âThis is about common sense and public safety,â Elkins said. âBatteries donât belong in the trash. Too often, theyâre causing fires at landfills and recycling centers. This bill gives Kentucky a clear, practical way to handle batteries more safely and responsibly.â
Senate Bill 49 would create a Covered Battery Stewardship Program within the Energy and Environment Cabinet to help educate the public and coordinate safe, responsible battery collection and recycling. It makes clear that certain batteries cannot be placed in curbside trash, commercial containers, or roll-off dumpsters used for solid waste or recycling. It would encourage voluntary, industry-led take-back programs to ensure batteries are handled properly at the end of their life.
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Author: Tom Latek/Kentucky Today, Interior Journal