Batteries

Waste batteries and accumulators (rechargeable batteries) can damage the environment and cause health problems as many contain toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium and zinc.

batteriesThe batteries regulations limit the use of these chemicals by battery manufacturers and give producers the responsibility for ensuring waste batteries are collected and either treated or recycled.

You must comply with the batteries regulations if your business:

  • manufactures batteries or equipment containing batteries
  • imports batteries into the UK for sale
  • distributes and sells batteries
  • uses batteries
  • collects waste batteries
  • treats, recycles or exports waste batteries.

In this guideline

Battery materials and labelling
Producers of portable batteries
Producers of industrial and automotive batteries
Batteries compliance schemes for portable battteries
Distributors and retailers of portable batteries
Treating, recycling or exporting waste batteries
What should you do with waste batteries
Further information on batteries
Batteries legislation