Extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws have gained global traction and continue to gain momentum throughout the United States. Thirty-three U.S. states have enacted over 140 EPR-related laws covering a diverse array of products, from hazardous materials like mercury thermostats, batteries, and electronics to non-hazardous goods like mattresses and packaging. Vermont passed the first framework EPR law for household hazardous waste (HHW) in 2003, and California first introduced HHW EPR in 2008 and reintroduced the concept in 2024. Several other states are now exploring similar legislation. HHW EPR laws are critical for addressing a broad spectrum of hazardous products that can pose serious risks to public health and the environment if mismanaged. These laws also help prevent HHW from contaminating recycling streams and landfills.

This session explores the evolving EPR landscape with insights into compliance strategies, state-specific developments, and legislative momentum. It will provide a spotlight on Nebraska’s 2025 passage of LB 36, the Safe Battery Collection and Recycling Act — its first EPR law focused specifically on lithium batteries. Passed and signed into law in a single legislative session, and supported by SWANA, LB 36 is a model of strategic coalition-building and stakeholder engagement. Attendees will learn how a state senator and coalition of partners moved from initial education and message development to legislative drafting, bipartisan support, and final passage. The state is now actively building a volunteer collection network leveraging existing infrastructure ahead of a formal stewardship plan in 2028.