Legislation
What is it?
The Batteries Directive aims to make businesses that produce and sell batteries responsible for collecting and recycling spent batteries. It will require the collection and recycling of all batteries placed on the market. Unlike previous EU batteries legislation, it applies (with limited exception) to all batteries and accumulators regardless of their chemical composition. It replaces earlier directives which only apply to batteries containing certain quantities of lead, mercury or cadmium.
Purpose
The primary objective of this directive is to minimise the negative impact on the environment of batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators.
It aims to:
- create an EU - wide framework for national battery collection and recycling schemes
- improve the environmental performance of batteries and accumulators, and of the activities in their life cycle
- prevent the disposal of spent batteries in incinerators or landfills
- promote the recovery of metals contained in batteries.
Key elements
- A ban on the use of significant quantities of hazardous metals like cadmium and mercury in the manufacture of batteries and accumulators, except in medical equipment, emergency or alarm systems, and in cordless power drills.
- Collection targets of 25% by 26 September 2012 and 45% by 26 September 2016.
- A ban on the disposal of untreated automotive and industrial batteries in landfill or by incineration.
Who does it affect?
All operators involved in the life cycle of batteries and accumulators. This includes producers, distributors and end-users and, in particular, those directly involved in the treatment and recycling of waste batteries and accumulators.
Timescale
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.