SB 1215 Pushes EV Batteries Closer to a Circular Future

SB 1215 adds momentum to broader circular economy trends, accelerating EV battery take-back, reuse-focused design, and recycling investment across the industry

15 Jan 2026

California is tightening its grip on battery waste, and SB 1215 is the spark. The law doesn’t just push compliance, it amplifies a movement already transforming how electric vehicle batteries are collected, reused, and recycled.

In December 2025, state regulators approved emergency rules aimed at products with built-in batteries. The goal is to make manufacturers take more responsibility for collection and recycling. For the industry, the signal is unmistakable. Battery end-of-life planning is now a core business function, not an afterthought.

These rules are helping channel more batteries into formal systems rather than scattered local drop-offs. That clarity supports a growing industry shift toward stronger take-back networks, better tracking, and standardized handling. Meanwhile, manufacturers are rethinking battery design to make units easier to remove, service, and dismantle. It’s not just about meeting new laws. Simplified, reuse-ready designs can also cut costs, improve safety, and reduce waste over time.

The changing policy landscape is fueling market activity too. Companies are racing to secure battery supply, expand processing capacity, and form partnerships before competition heats up. In San Francisco, Redwood Materials’ new collection sites show how regulation and market demand are working in tandem. More collection points mean steadier supply, which in turn gives recyclers confidence to invest.

Program operators are also stepping into a larger role. Groups like Call2Recycle now serve as key connectors between policy and practice, helping unify standards across states and channels. In a market where safety and consistency matter more each year, standardization is becoming a competitive edge.

California’s model could set the tone nationwide. With the country’s largest EV market taking the lead, many companies are applying similar rules everywhere rather than juggling different systems. That choice is accelerating investment in reuse-focused design, collection partnerships, and long-term recycling strategies tied to circular economy goals.

Smaller operators may face growing pains adapting to stricter requirements, but the broader direction is clear. A more structured system brings predictability, better safety, and room to scale. Battery circularity is no longer a concept. It is the next phase of the EV market taking shape.