Batteries Directive
Stricter rules on batteries and accumulators for UK businesses are likely to be introduced in September 2008 through the implementation of the Batteries Directive.
The new legal obligations will mean:
- stricter rules on recovery and recycling
- improvements to the environmental performance of all new batteries on the market.
This will apply to all batteries, regardless of their shape, weight, use or chemical composition.
Who do the proposals affect?
Any business that produces, supplies, or disposes of batteries and accumulators. Specifically the proposals will affect the following businesses:
- manufacturers
- importers
- distributors
- end-users
- businesses involved in treating and recycling waste batteries and accumulators
- vehicle sales and maintenance businesses.
Battery powered products
If you manufacture or design battery powered products, you will need to ensure that the batteries can be removed from the products and supply instructions on how to remove them.
Even if your business only uses battery-powered equipment, you will still need to dispose of the waste batteries at collection points.
Purpose
The parts of the new legislation that have already been decided are:
- battery producers will be listed on a register
- recycling schemes for batteries to 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.
Main consultation questions
The consultation on the Batteries Directive ended in March 2008.
The government is now considering options for the new regulations following the views of businesses that took part in the consultation. These options include how to:
- collect and recycle waste industrial, portable and vehicle batteries
- enforce the battery composition and labelling requirements
- co-ordinate the new legislation with existing legislation on end-of-life vehicles(ELVs) and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
Timescale
The government’s response to the views received in the consultation will be published in summer 2008.
New laws are required to be in force by 26 September 2008.
Further information
NetRegs guidance
