Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois is celebrating the success of its battery recycling law.

“Illinois currently has the largest all-battery program in the country at this time,” said Roxanne Peggs, director of state stewardship for the Battery Network. “This program covers most single-use and rechargeable batteries. It includes larger medium-format batteries, and those come from e bikes and outdoor power equipment.

“We built a statewide network of over 300 collection sies, but right now Illinois residents can recycle batteries where they already shop and where they already live,” added Peggs.

“Batteries are part of everyday life, and that means that Illinois needs a system that reflects modern waste and safety challenges,” said State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). “The Illinois EPA says proper management and recycling of used medium-formatted batteries helps prevent the release of toxic materials into our environment. It also reduces the safety risks for workers in waste facilities, including fires caused by mishandling batteries in the waste stream.”