California Code, Public Resources Code - PRC § 15001

(a) On the basis of available scientific and medical evidence, exposure to toxic materials, including mercury, cadmium, and lead, is of significant concern to human health and safety and to the environment.

(b) The presence of toxic metals in certain dry cell batteries is of special concern, in light of the substantial quantity of used dry cell and rechargeable batteries that are discarded annually, and the potential health and environmental consequences associated with that disposal.

(c) It is in the public interest to reduce or eliminate the quantity and toxicity of metals in dry cell batteries, to recycle or properly dispose of rechargeable batteries which contain toxic metals, and to educate the public concerning the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of those batteries.

(d) Manufacturers and dealers of rechargeable batteries should be encouraged to promote the recycling and proper disposal of used rechargeable batteries through retail displays and collection programs.

(e) The use of uniform labeling requirements for rechargeable batteries, rechargeable consumer products, and product packaging will assist in battery collection and recycling, and thus benefit human health and safety and the environment.