§ 6621c. Lead-acid batteries; collection for recycling

(a) Definitions. For purposes of this section:

(1) “Lead-acid battery” means a battery that consists of lead and sulfuric acid and is used as a power source.

(2) “Small sealed lead-acid battery” means a lead-acid battery, weighing 25 pounds or less, used in nonvehicular applications. This shall not include any lead-acid battery used as the principal power source for transportation, including automobiles, motorcycles, and boats.

(b) Applicability. The provisions of subsections (c), (d), and (e) of this section shall not apply to any small sealed lead-acid battery.

(c) Standard retailer obligations. A retailer selling replacement lead-acid batteries in Vermont shall:

(1) Accept from customers, at the point of transfer, used lead-acid batteries of the same general type and in a quantity at least equal to the number of new batteries purchased, if offered by customers.

(2) Post written language in bold print in the immediate vicinity where lead-acid batteries are sold, that reads as follows: “It is illegal to discard lead-acid batteries in Vermont’s landfills. This store accepts used lead-acid batteries for recycling, in exchange for new batteries being purchased.”

(d) Standard wholesaler obligation. Any wholesaler selling replacement lead-acid batteries in Vermont shall accept from customers at the point of transfer, used lead-acid batteries of the same general type and in a quantity at least equal to the number of new batteries purchased, if offered by customers. A wholesaler accepting batteries in transfer from a retailer shall be allowed a period not to exceed 90 days to remove batteries from the retail point of collection.

(e) Information on recycling lead-acid batteries. A manufacturer selling lead-acid batteries in Vermont shall provide their direct customers with a telephone number where retailers and wholesalers may obtain information regarding recycling lead-acid batteries. (Added 1993, No. 220 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)