A new ordinance aimed at reducing fire hazards and environmental damage from discarded batteries will take effect in Broward County on May 1, 2026.
The measure, authored by Commissioner Steve Geller and approved by the Broward County Commission on April 1, 2025, requires major retailers that sell large quantities of batteries to provide recycling drop-off options for the public.
According to Geller, the initiative was prompted by concerns raised during a South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC) event focused on solid waste management. Experts highlighted a growing national issue: fires at waste facilities and in garbage trucks sparked by lithium batteries exposed to moisture.
“This became a clear public safety and environmental issue that needed action,” Geller said in a newsletter announcing the ordinance’s implementation.
Under the new law, retailers such as Publix, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Walmart, and larger outlets of CVS and Walgreens will be required to accept lithium and other rechargeable batteries for proper disposal. The ordinance does not place requirements on individual consumers but is designed to make recycling more accessible.
Officials say the measure will help prevent hazardous materials from contaminating soil and water, reduce the risk of fires linked to battery disposal, and allow for the recovery of valuable metals such as lithium and nickel, which are critical to the growing electric economy.
Residents are encouraged to use designated drop-off points when disposing of batteries. Authorities have also established an enforcement mechanism: retailers that fail to comply will first receive a warning, followed by citations if violations continue. Non-compliant locations can be reported through the county’s 311 service.
Geller described the ordinance as a “balanced approach” that enhances public safety while supporting environmental sustainability across the county.
