Chapter 4Mercury in Batteries

Section § 15020

Explanation

This law prohibits selling dry cell batteries for household use made after January 1, 1994, if they have too much mercury. Alkaline batteries can't have more than 0.025% mercury by weight, and carbon-zinc batteries shouldn't have any mercury added intentionally, except for trace amounts that occur naturally.

No person shall sell any dry cell battery manufactured on and after January 1, 1994, for household use in which the mercury content, by weight, exceeds the following limits:
(a)CA Public Resources Code § 15020(a) In an alkaline battery, 0.025 percent.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 15020(b) In a carbon-zinc battery, 0.0 percent intentionally introduced mercury, as distinguished from mercury which may be incidentally present in other materials.
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(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 817, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1994.)

Section § 15021

Explanation

Starting January 1, 1994, it is illegal for anyone to make or sell mercuric oxide button cell batteries. This applies to all types and uses of these batteries.

On and after January 1, 1994, no person shall manufacture or sell any mercuric oxide button cell battery of any type or for any use.
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(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 817, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1994.)

Section § 15022

Explanation

This law states that it's illegal to sell alkaline manganese batteries made on or after January 1, 1996, if they have mercury that was intentionally added. Incidental mercury, which might be present in other materials, is not included in this ban. However, alkaline manganese button cell batteries are allowed to contain up to 25 milligrams of mercury per battery.

No person shall sell any alkaline manganese battery manufactured on or after January 1, 1996, if the battery contains any intentionally introduced mercury, as distinguished from mercury which may be incidentally present in other materials. However, the mercury content in alkaline manganese button cell batteries shall not exceed 25 milligrams of mercury per button cell.
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(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 817, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1994.)

Section § 15023

Explanation

This law states that it is illegal to sell zinc-carbon batteries made after January 1, 1994, if they were manufactured with any mercury added on purpose. This does not include any mercury that might be present accidentally.

No person shall sell any zinc-carbon battery manufactured on or after January 1, 1994, if the battery contains any intentionally introduced mercury, as distinguished from mercury which may be incidentally present in other materials.
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(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 817, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1994.)

Section § 15024

Explanation

If you break any rule in this chapter, it's considered a misdemeanor, which is a type of crime.

Any violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor.
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(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 817, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1994.)