Why E-Waste Laws Are a Patchwork (Federal vs. State Oversight)
E-waste recycling in the U.S. isn’t governed by one single federal law. Most of the rules that actually affect how electronics get collected, and processed are set at the state level, which is why compliance can feel messy if you operate across multiple states.
As of 2025, 26 states have statewide e-waste laws. Many of those laws push manufacturers toward take-back programs, and some include stricter handling rules for items like CRTs (old tube TVs/monitors) and certain large appliances.
States like California, New York, and Illinois are often seen as “more robust” because they tend to expand program scope, tighten requirements, and add layers like fees, reporting, or broader product coverage.
And then you’ve got “minimal-law” states—Iowa is a common example—where there isn’t a comprehensive statewide e-waste law. That doesn’t mean “no rules,” though. Battery rules, federal CRT handling requirements, and local/regional programs can still apply. In practice, local initiatives and county programs often fill the gap when the state doesn’t.
The Big 2026 Themes to Know
Electronics and battery EPR keeps expanding
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is the momentum story. In plain English: more products are being covered, and more parties have responsibilities—manufacturers, brands, sellers, distributors—depending on the state.
That usually shows up as:
- Expanded lists of “covered devices” (what must be accepted in a program)
- New requirements for battery take-back and stewardship plans
- More collection sites, better access, and clearer rules around where material is supposed to go
Right-to-repair laws move from concept to real enforcement
Right-to-repair is no longer a “future” conversation in several states—it’s now in effect, with real operational impact.
Two big concepts keep coming up:
- Limits on parts pairing (where a device only works properly with manufacturer-approved parts/software)
- Access requirements for parts, tools, and repair information so independent repair providers—and sometimes consumers—can actually fix devices instead of tossing them
This matters because repair access affects end-of-life. If devices are harder to repair, more of them become “waste” faster.
More reporting, more transparency, more documentation
Across recycling and waste policies, there’s a steady shift toward:
- Better reporting requirements
- Clearer documentation expectations like certificates of recycling
- More emphasis on downstream accountability (where things actually end up)
For businesses, this typically translates into one thing: you’ll want tighter internal tracking and better paperwork from your recycling partners.
State-by-State 2026 Changes That Matter Most for E-Waste
Vermont: Battery EPR expands
Vermont expanded its battery EPR program to include more battery types and scenarios, including rechargeable batteries, devices where batteries are easily removable, and additional battery formats. The expansion also addresses heavier battery categories, including batteries in the 4.4 to 25 pound range (commonly associated with e-bikes and similar equipment).
Practical takeaway: if you handle batteries beyond “household basics,” Vermont’s scope is wider now—plan your sorting, storage, and program alignment accordingly.
Illinois: Battery EPR ramps up
Illinois is pushing forward with EPR for portable and medium-format batteries. Sellers and distributors must have recycling programs in place, with broader collection infrastructure required to expand through 2028, and battery labeling requirements extending into 2029.
Practical takeaway: Illinois is setting the table for bigger battery collection volume and more formal program structure—especially relevant if you sell, distribute, or manage fleets of battery-containing devices.
Oregon: Electronics program expands + right-to-repair momentum
Oregon expanded its electronics program to include more device categories—think beyond computers and TVs. Added items include things like routers, modems, small servers, scanners, and various media devices.
Practical takeaway: “Is this covered?” is increasingly becoming “yes” in Oregon—especially for IT and network gear.
Colorado: Right to Repair for consumer electronics
Colorado’s right-to-repair law is in effect for many consumer electronics manufactured or sold after 2021, and it targets barriers that block independent repair—especially around parts pairing and access limitations.
Practical takeaway: if you manage electronics lifecycle in Colorado, repair options should be more available. That can affect refresh planning, refurbishment strategies, and procurement.
Washington: Right to Repair access requirements begin Jan. 1, 2026
Washington requires wider access to parts, tools, and repair information, with key access requirements active starting January 1, 2026, covering many products and parts manufactured/sold/used in Washington on/after July 1, 2021. It also restricts parts pairing.
Practical takeaway: Washington is forcing the ecosystem toward fixability, which changes how devices are supported, repaired, and kept in service longer.
California: Embedded-battery fee expansion
California added more battery-embedded products into its e-waste program, and consumers will see a disposal fee at purchase for certain categories (commonly referenced: smartwatches, wireless earbuds, handheld gaming devices). California also updated its “buy recycled” purchasing rules for state agencies.
Practical takeaway: California continues to push policy via fees, program expansion, and purchasing rules—expect more covered products and more formal pathways for battery-containing devices.
New York: Organics + landfill emissions reporting (why it matters to waste vendors and large generators)
New York expanded its organics diversion requirements by lowering thresholds (for qualifying businesses within range of an organics recycler). New York is also moving into stricter landfill emissions data tracking under its reporting program, with reporting due dates tied to 2027.
Practical takeaway: even though this isn’t “e-waste-specific,” it matters for organizations with big waste footprints and for vendors supporting compliance. More reporting pressure in one lane often spills into higher documentation expectations across the board.
“Also on the radar” states for 2026 planning
These aren’t all the same type of change, but they matter for planning if you operate nationally or manage multi-site programs:
- Florida: a statewide e-waste reduction and recycling plan is slated for finalization by July 1, 2026.
- Minnesota: PFAS reporting requirements can apply to products including electronics-related components/coatings, with a key date of July 1, 2026.
- Pennsylvania: an e-waste program expansion (including devices like tablets/e-readers) has been discussed with a target timeframe around late March 2026, pending final legislative action.
- Texas: right-to-repair coverage applies based on device price thresholds (commonly referenced at $50+), shifting repair vs. replace decisions.
- Nevada/Oregon: right-to-repair expansion includes categories beyond typical consumer electronics in certain contexts (e.g., mobility-related equipment), with parts pairing restrictions emphasized.
FAQs on E-Waste Laws in 2026
Do e-waste laws apply federally or by state?
Mostly by state. There are some federal rules that touch specific materials or situations, but e-waste program requirements—what’s covered, who must take it back, how it’s funded—are primarily state-driven.
Which 2026 laws impact batteries the most?
Battery EPR expansion is the headline. States are widening what counts as a covered battery, who must participate in programs, and how collection is built out—especially for portable and medium-format batteries and battery-containing devices.
What does right-to-repair change for businesses?
It can make repair more viable by requiring access to parts, tools, and repair information—and by limiting practices like parts pairing that block independent repair. That can reduce replacement costs, extend device lifespan, and shift how you plan refresh cycles.
What documentation should we keep for e-waste pickups?
At minimum:
- Pickup or service records (date, location, material types)
- Recycling documentation from your vendor
If devices store data, also keep: - Destruction or sanitization documentation
What’s the safest baseline for data destruction on retired devices?
Use a documented policy plus a defensible handling process: identify data-bearing devices, and generate destruction/sanitization records.
Closing
2026 is pushing the same direction across the map: more EPR coverage, more repair access, and higher expectations for documentation. If you plan for those three things, you’ll avoid most compliance headaches before they start.
If you want a simple way to stay covered, work with a reliable electronics recycling company like EACR Inc.
