Sample Letter

Assembly Member Paul Koretz
State Capitol, room 4140
Sacramento, CA 95814 
FAX: (916) 319-2142

RE: AB 2271 (Koretz) Consumer Refund Value for Household Batteries—Support

Dear Assembly Member Koretz,

I am writing in support of AB 2271, which would establish a ten-cent Consumer Refund Value (CRV) on all one-time use household (Alkaline) batteries to be paid by the manufacturers.

According to the US EPA approximately three billion batteries are sold in the US annually. Currently less than 1 percent of single-use (primary) batteries are recycled.  The California Department of Toxic Substances Control currently recognizes all household batteries as a hazardous waste when discarded, and under the state’s Universal Waste Rule, prohibits their disposal into any landfill. Currently, there is a lack of incentive and infrastructure for California residents to recycle their household batteries.

Modeled after California’s successful Bottle Bill, this measure would establish a ten-cent Consumer Refund Value on all primary household batteries to incentivize California consumers to actively recycle their toxic batteries and help residents comply with state law. Annually, there are over 590 million household batteries sold in California. With a CRV of ten-cents, California would generate more than adequate revenue to build the recycling infrastructure and handle the recycling costs of turned in batteries. California has the opportunity to be the leader in toxic battery recycling, especially in light of our current state prohibition on battery disposal.

Last year, Governor Schwarzenegger signed the Rechargeable Battery  Recycling Act into law, which requires retailers who sell rechargeable batteries to provide consumers with a no cost opportunity for take-back and recycling of used rechargeable batteries.  AB 2271 proposes to extend beyond rechargeable batteries and create recycling opportunities for consumers to all toxic household batteries. 

As a constituent I urge you to vote "YES" on this bill as it comes before you.  Thank you in advance for your assistance on this crucial issue.

Sincerely,

c.c. Californians Against Waste (FAX: 916-443-3912)