HB 81 - Current law prohibits disposal of lead-acid batteries in solid waste disposal areas (landfills). This act would restrict or prohibit the sale of certain alkaline or alkaline-manganese batteries.

Beginning Jan. 1, 1997, no person may sell alkaline batteries in which mercury has been added in excess of twenty- five milligrams (roughly one-thousandth of an ounce).

Beginning on Jan. 1, 1996, no person shall sell any button cell mercuric-oxide battery nor shall a person sell non-button cell mercuric oxide batteries unless the battery manufacturer identifies a collection site, informs each purchaser of the location of the site and provides the purchaser with a telephone number which may be called for information about returning such batteries.

A violation of the limitations on sale of alkaline or mercuric-oxide batteries is a Class C Misdemeanor.

The act contains penalty provisions.
OTTO FAJEN