ALBANY, NY — A provision in the New York State Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act prohibiting disposal of most rechargeable batteries as a solid waste in the state took effect on December 5, according to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The new provision of the law gives consumers the opportunity to drop off rechargeable batteries at local retail stores. The law already requires battery manufacturers to provide for collection and recycling of rechargeable batteries in a statewide program at no cost to consumers.

“This program is a good example of product stewardship among consumers, retailers and battery manufacturers,” DEC commissioner Joe Martens said. “Valuable metals from rechargeable batteries can be recovered for reuse instead of ending up in the trash.”