Battery Directive
What is the batteries directive?
Fuelled by a rapid increase in the use of portable power, the Batteries Directive has been designed to reduce the quantity and impact that waste batteries have on the environment. Under the legislation, the UK has new responsibilities on how batteries are recovered, treated and recycled.
It will reduce the quantity of waste batteries going to landfill and increase the recycling of the materials they contain. Manufacturers will also be restricted in the quantities of hazardous materials their batteries contain, such as mercury and cadmium.
When does it come into force?
After many months of deliberation between battery manufacturers, environment agencies and the Government, the final guidelines for the Batteries Directive were set out on 5 May 2009, bringing into force the three-year-old European directive.
Retailers now have until February 2010 to put the necessary infrastructure into place. However, if a retailer is also classified as a Producer it will need to be compliant by 1st of January 2010.
Why do we need it?
The directive has been introduced to reduce the 600 million portable batteries that currently end up in UK landfill sites each year. The ambitious, yet achievable targets require that 25 per cent of these batteries are recycled by 2012, rising to 45 per cent by 2016.
However, the stark reality is that the UK currently recycles just three per cent of portable batteries, compared to the impressive 59 per cent being achieved in Belgium.
Are waste batteries hazardous?
Whether batteries are being collected at retail premises, local authorities or schools, it is important that they are handled sensibly. Around 70 per cent of batteries that are thrown out still have charge in them so mistreatment could be hazardous.
Simple steps retailers can take are to not mix batteries with other waste and make sure they are placed away from water and excessive heat. BCSs and battery recyclers such as G&P Batteries can offer further advice on how to safely collect waste batteries.
Where can I find out more about the directive?
For more information about the directive download our informative leaflet
You can find out even more by visiting www.batteryback.co.uk