22. a. The commissioner shall prepare a report to the Legislature concerning the implementation of this act, including recommendations as to whether the collection, transportation, recycling or disposal methods prescribed in this act are the most appropriate means to ensure the environmentally sound collection, transportation, recycling or proper disposal of used dry cell batteries. The report shall be transmitted to the Legislature not later than two years following the effective date of this act.

b. The report shall include, but need not be limited to, recommendations concerning:

(1) A requirement that manufacturers further reduce the cadmium, lead or mercury concentration levels in dry cell batteries:

(a) For alkaline manganese dry cell batteries, except for button or coin shaped batteries, not more than one part per million by weight (0.0001%); and

(b) For button or coin shaped alkaline manganese dry cell batteries, not more than five milligrams of mercury per battery;

(2) The practicability and feasibility of providing for the collection of used dry cell batteries by requiring a deposit on, and establishing a refund value for, any dry cell battery sold or offered for promotional purposes in this State; and

(3) The practicability and feasibility of ensuring the proper disposal of used dry cell batteries by imposing a pre-disposal surcharge on the sale of dry cell batteries.

L.1991,c.521,s.22.