Currently, there are no federal policies that directly mandate solar panel recycling at the state level in the United States. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to propose new rules that could support state-level initiatives by improving the management and recycling of end-of-life solar panels and other renewable energy wastes, including lithium batteries. These proposed rules are expected to simplify compliance, encourage recycling, and enhance environmental protection by adding hazardous waste solar panels to universal waste regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
While there are no widespread federal mandates for recycling, some U.S. states have enacted their own policies. For example, Maine requires recyclable solar components to be recycled by authorized facilities, and other states have varying requirements. Additionally, the concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR) is being discussed as a potential solution, where manufacturers would be responsible for the takeback and recycling of solar modules.
In practice, federal guidelines currently focus on hazardous waste management, with strict disposal protocols for solar panels that qualify as hazardous waste. The EPA’s upcoming proposals aim to streamline regulations, which could indirectly support state-level recycling initiatives by encouraging the collection and recycling of solar panels. However, until these proposals are implemented, state-level policies remain the primary drivers of PV recycling initiatives.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-any-federal-policies-currently-supporting-state-level-pv-recycling-initiatives/
