Springfield - A measure to establish a plan for renewable recycling in Illinois, supported by Senator Robert Peters was signed into law.

“As we look to establish green energy sources, we also need to make sure we’re phasing out old technology in a safe and responsible manner,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Expanding renewable recycling in Illinois will both save taxpayers money and ensure that our new investments in clear energy such as solar panels do not become a hazard to the environment.”

The new law, formerly known as Senate Bill 3790, establishes a Renewable Energy Component Recycling Task Force. The Recycling Task Force must investigate options for recycling and other end-of-life methods for renewable generation components and energy storage devices. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency must provide technical, administrative, and research support to this Task Force. The Task Force will then submit a report of its findings to the General Assembly by July 1, 2025.

By 2030, the United States is expected to see as much as one million tons of solar panel waste, and by 2050, the United States is expected to have the second largest number of retired solar panels in the world, with as many as an estimated 10 million total tons of panels.

SB 3790 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.