Oregon Cities Lead Charge for Statewide Battery Recycling Overhaul

In a move to curb fires and environmental damage, Oregon’s two largest cities are spearheading a push for a comprehensive statewide battery recycling program. Portland and Eugene officials are urging lawmakers to create a uniform system, arguing that the current patchwork of local options is confusing for consumers and dangerously inadequate.

“We’re seeing a dramatic increase in battery-related fires at recycling facilities and in garbage trucks,” said a Portland sustainability manager, highlighting a risk that has plagued Oregon waste handlers. “Lithium-ion batteries from everything from laptops to e-scooters can ignite when crushed, posing a serious threat to workers and infrastructure.”

The proposed system would likely follow an “extended producer responsibility” model. This would require battery manufacturers to fund and manage the collection and safe recycling of their products, shifting the cost and logistical burden away from municipal governments and taxpayers. For Oregonians, this could mean the establishment of convenient, consistent drop-off locations at retailers across the state, from Medford to Bend.

Currently, disposal options vary widely by city and county, leading many residents to simply toss used batteries in the trash. This not only creates a fire hazard but also wastes valuable materials like lithium and cobalt that could be reclaimed. Eugene waste officials report that improper disposal remains a top contamination issue in residential recycling bins.

With battery usage skyrocketing, advocates say a statewide solution is no longer optional. “Oregon has a chance to be a leader in responsible product stewardship,” noted a Eugene city councilor. “This is about protecting our communities, our environment, and building a circular economy right here at home.” The proposal is expected to be a key topic in the next legislative session in Salem.