California fee on battery disposal goes into effect

This year, Californians will have to pay a disposal fee on consumer electronics that have non-removeable batteries. 

The 1.5% surcharge is capped at $15 and will go to expanding recycling programs in the state, according to Cal Matters. 

The fee also applies to products that contain non-rechargeable batteries. An analysis by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery estimates approximately 7,300 tons of batteries go to landfills each year.