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New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is reporting that rechargeable battery use is rising dramatically, but New York State is not enforcing the recycling law requirements in place.
He continues to state that the New York Department of Environmental Conservation isn’t doing enough to ensure that rechargeable batteries are recycled as required by law, according to a recent audit.
“We use devices with rechargeable batteries every day, but they pose serious environmental risks if they’re not properly recycled,” DiNapoli said. “Unfortunately, the agency responsible for making sure they get recycled has little knowledge of whether it’s actually happening or whether they’re going out with the trash where they put New York’s environment, public health and safety at risk. DEC has to start monitoring compliance with the law, and enforcing it, or this hazard will only get worse as use of rechargeable batteries increases.”
DiNapoli’s audit recommended that DEC monitor, enforce and promote the recycling law and that it submit the biennial reports called for in the law.
The full audit that was released can be found HERE.
