David Weinberg’s Regulatory Work Helps Client BCI Earn Prestigious ASAE Recognition

Washington, DC – A groundbreaking model for lead battery recycling that Wiley partner David B. Weinberg helped develop on behalf of client Battery Council International (BCI) has been lauded by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) as one of the most important regulatory accomplishments of the past 100 years.

Mr. Weinberg, a member of the firm’s Environment & Product Regulation Practice, and a team of Wiley lawyers and analysts have promoted sustainability for decades. Mr. Weinberg was one of the original authors of – and advocates for – the model lead battery recycling law, which has been adopted by more than 40 states since its inception more than 30 years ago. The team also represents on sustainability issues manufacturers of virtually all other types of batteries, a range of consumer electronics, plastics products, and other materials. Mr. Weinberg also has taught a course on product stewardship at The George Washington University Law School.

BCI was among 51 associations honored as part of ASAE’s Centennial Celebration, which identifies meaningful contributions associations have made internationally over the past 100 years. As noted in BCI’s August 24 press release, the Council’s “Model for Recycling” was recognized by ASAE alongside other associations’ historic accomplishments including the USO, the Civil Rights Act, and the Red Cross blood donation program. The lead battery industry has also been called a model of a circular economy by the World Economic Forum and The Sustainability Consortium.

“I’m extremely proud to see the industry recognized for its long-term commitment to sustainability,” said Mr. Weinberg, who has worked with BCI for decades.

“In 1988 when we started this work, consumer and business recycling of wastes was just gaining traction,” Mr. Weinberg added. “BCI was a pioneer in building a circular economy ‘make-use-recycle-manufacture’ model that was not then common.”

BCI is the North American trade association representing the lead-based battery manufacturing, supply, recycling, and distribution companies. ASAE is the essential organization for association management, representing both organizations and individual association professionals. It is widely known as the association for associations.