Will EPA add hazardous waste solar panels to Universal Waste Regulations?

EPA is working on a proposal to add hazardous waste solar panels to the universal waste regulations found at Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 273 and to establish a new, distinct category of universal waste specifically tailored to lithium batteries.

Will new EPA rules improve recycling of end-of-life solar panels & lithium batteries?

EPA is planning to propose new rules to improve the management and recycling of end-of-life solar panels and lithium batteries.

What are solar PV end-of-life waste management and recycling regulations?

Table 2. Solar PV end-of-life waste management and recycling regulations in China and the USA. The GB/T 38,785-2020 standard provides technical requirements for recycling thin-film photovoltaic modules and reusing them for building use. Furthermore, China has also established other standards and guidelines for the management of EOL PV waste.

Are end-of-life solar panels considered hazardous waste?

The amendments exclude end-of-life solar panels from defining hazardous waste under certain conditions. For example, if the panels are generated by households, small businesses, or agricultural operations, they are exempt from hazardous waste regulations.

What are the regulations & guidelines for managing solar PV EOL waste?

The regulations and guidelines for managing solar PV EOL waste in particular states follow. California: California was one of the first states to implement specific solar PV EOL waste management regulations. The regulations require that solar panel manufacturers finance and manage a program to collect and recycle solar PV EOL waste.

Should governments encourage battery suppliers to recycle waste materials?

For instance, Tang et al. (2024) suggested that governments should encourage battery suppliers to recycle waste battery materials and establish internal policies and procedures to control and standardize recycling processes.