Utah Bans Lead-Acid Batteries From Landfills, Requires Recycling

Section 19-6-602 prohibits placing, discarding, or disposing of a lead acid battery in any solid waste facility operated by a municipality, county, or political subdivision. Batteries must instead be delivered to a battery retailer, a wholesaler, a collection or recycling facility, or a secondary lead smelter meeting state and federal permits. Under 19-6-603, a retailer must accept up to two used batteries when you buy a new one and post an 8.5-by-11-inch notice stating recycling is mandatory. The Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control administers the program, and local health departments may enforce it under Title 26A.

A violation of Part 6 is a class B misdemeanor under Utah Code 19-6-607, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Each battery improperly disposed of is a separate offense.