Battery recycling... The Batteries Directive

What is the Battery Directive?

The Battery Directive is an EU Directive designed to reduce the amount of batteries going into landfill. It aims is to reduce the quantity of hazardous and non hazardous waste batteries going to landfill by increasing the recovery of the materials they contain; increasing recycling.

It covers all batteries, whatever their chemical composition. All batteries will need collection and recycling. Battery recycling will become a requirement.

What the Battery Directive does?

The Directive aims to minimise the impact on the environment of batteries and accumulators. It will:

• create an EU-wide structure for national battery collection and recycling
• improve the environmental performance of batteries and accumulators
• stop incineration or disposal to landfill of spent batteries
• encourage the recovery of metals contained in batteries

Who does the Battery Directive affect?

If your business uses battery-powered equipment, you will still need to dispose of the waste batteries appropriately. It also affects businesses that produce, supply or dispose of batteries.

When will the Battery Directive affect you?

The Batteries Directive was published in the official EU Journal on 26 September 2006. The UK must now bring the requirements of the directive into national law by 26 September 2008.

How does the Battery Directive affect the waste management and recycling industry?

There are targets for the collection of batteries; 25% by 26 September 2012, up to 45% by 26 September 2016.

There will also be a ban on the disposal of untreated industrial and automotive batteries to landfill or incineration. Batteries will need to be treated prior to disposal.

What has already been decided with regards to the Battery Directive?

There are elements of the new legislation that have already been decided including:

• battery producers will be listed on a register
• recycling schemes for batteries will be introduced
• new limits on the use of mercury and cadmium in batteries
• labelling requirements for new batteries to help consumer choice and increase recycling
• a ban on landfill or incineration of untreated waste industrial and vehicle batteries
• improved design requirements so batteries can be easily removed from products
• phased collection targets for portable batteries

How Britain compares?

Britain's battery collection rate is around 3%. Compared to Belgium at 59% and Sweden at 55%, our battery collection and recycling rate is not very good. However it has to improve and you can start recycling your batteries now with Greenzone.

How Greenzone can help

Greenzone can recycle batteries for you. Alkaline batteries can be recycled and the metal recovered. Lead acid batteries can also be recycled with acid regeneration, metal and plastic recovery. These batteries are recycled rather than going into landfill.

This helps you on two levels: you reduce the amount of waste going to landfill therefore helping the environment and you reduce your waste costs by recycling more.

For more information contact us now on 0845 8844550 (local rate).