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EPA/OLEM RIN: 2050-AH32 Publication ID: Fall 2023 
Title: ●Improving Recycling and Management of Renewable Energy Wastes: Universal Waste Regulations for Solar Panels and Lithium Batteries 
Abstract:

EPA is proposing to add hazardous waste solar panels to the universal waste regulations found at 40 CFR 273. This regulatory action is being taken in response to a rulemaking petition submitted by a coalition of industry associations affiliated with the electric power industry. This change in the RCRA regulations, once finalized, should benefit the wide variety of establishments generating and managing solar panel waste by providing a clear, practical system for handling discarded solar panels. The streamlined universal waste regulations are expected to (1) Ease regulatory burdens on generators of solar panel waste, (2) promote the collection and recycling of solar panels, and (3) encourage the development of municipal and commercial programs to reduce the quantity of these wastes going to municipal solid waste management. Within the same rulemaking package, EPA is proposing universal waste standards specially tailored for lithium batteries, separate from the existing general battery universal waste category. This change in the RCRA regulations would benefit those generating and managing waste lithium batteries by improving the safety standards and reducing fires from end-of-life lithium batteries, while continuing to promote recycling.

 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 273   
Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6922    42 U.S.C. 6925    42 U.S.C. 6937    42 U.S.C. 6930    42 U.S.C. 6924    42 U.S.C. 6923   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  06/00/2025 
Final Rule  12/00/2026 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal 
Federalism: Undetermined 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Sectors Affected: 221114 Solar Electric Power Generation; 238210 Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors; 334413 Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing; 33591 Battery Manufacturing; 562112 Hazardous Waste Collection; 562920 Materials Recovery Facilities 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Phoebe O'Connor
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Land and Emergency Management
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Main Code 5304T,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-1451
Email: oconnor.phoebe@epa.gov