To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Executive Office
Meeting Date: February 24, 2026
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Department Contact: |
Xuyen Mallela |
Phone: |
707-463-4441 |
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Department Contact: |
Darcie Antle |
Phone: |
707-463-4441 |
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Item Type: Consent Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: N/A |
Agenda Title:
title
Ratification of Letter of Support for SB501 (Allen) - Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022- As Amended January 5, 2026
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Ratify letter of support for SB501 (Allen) - Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022- as amended January 5, 2026.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
The Board of Supervisors regularly issues support letters that align with the 2026 Legislative Platform. The Board ratified the letter of support for SB 501 (Allen) at the April 22, 2025 meeting.
Summary of Request:
The Board ratified the letter of support for SB 501 (Allen) at the April 22, 2025 meeting. SB 501 (Allen) was amended on January 5, 2026.
SB501 will add medium-format batteries to California’s existing Responsible Battery Recycling Act and thereby require the producers of those products to provide a convenient collection and management system for Californians.
Batteries have been required to be collected separately and managed as universal waste for many years, but newer chemistries like lithium ion have significantly increased collection and management costs for local governments and damaged batteries have caused fires that pose significant risks to essential workers, infrastructure, such as trucks and recycling facilities, and the environment. Local governments are responsible for the operation of local household hazardous waste collection programs, which offer residents free drop-off opportunities for household hazardous waste, including batteries, but the costs associated with managing newer and larger batteries have quickly escalated and are unsustainable. These programs are expensive and put serious financial pressure on both the programs and local governments that operate them. Medium-format batteries like those used in e-bikes, scooters, and hoverboards are much larger than conventional batteries but aren’t covered under the state’s existing stewardship and recycling programs.
Local governments and the solid waste industry have no control over which products will be introduced into the marketplace. SB 501 ensures that manufacturers of these larger batteries bear financial responsibility for the management and disposal of the products they introduce into the stream of commerce. By doing so and making proper disposal opportunities more convenient and affordable for residents, SB 501 will incentivize manufacturers to make those products safer and easier to manage at the end of their useful lives.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Return to staff for alternative handling
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Safe and Healthy County
Supervisorial District: All
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: n/a
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: N/A |
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current f/y cost: N/A |
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budget clarification: N/A |
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annual recurring cost: N/A |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): N/A |
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revenue agreement: N/A |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Executive Office
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Atlas Pearson, Senior Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Approved |
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Date: February 24, 2026 |
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