It is a producer responsibility Directive, which means it aims to make producers of batteries financially responsible for the financing of the collection, recycling and treatment of spent batteries and accumulators.
What batteries are covered by the batteries Directive?
The Directive applies to all types of new (single use) batteries and accumulators (more commonly known as rechargeable batteries), regardless of their shape, volume, weight, material composition or use. The Directive splits these into three categories:
Portable batteries are sealed and can be hand-carried, e.g. AA or AAA, a laptop or a mobile phone battery
Industrial batteries are designed exclusively for industrial or professional use or are used in electric vehicles, e.g. batteries used in professional video equipment and professional studios, the battery used as a source of propulsion in a golf cart or buggy
Automotive batteries are used for automotive starter, lighting or ignition, e.g. a motorcycle battery, a car/van battery or a truck, bus or coach battery
Who is obligated?
The Directive defines the producer of batteries as the one that ‘places batteries or accumulators, including those incorporated into appliances or vehicles, on the UK market for the first time’. This includes:
- UK manufacturers of batteries
- Private label owners
- Domestic Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), if products include batteries when put on the market
- Importer of electrical equipment and vehicles containing overseas-sourced batteries when sold on the UK market
- Importers of batteries placed on the UK market
Putting new batteries on the market
Since 26 September 2008 any persons wishing to place on the market new batteries and accumulators, and appliances that may contain batteries and accumulators, must comply with the following:
- a ban on placing any battery or accumulator on the market that contains more than 0.0005% of mercury by weight
a ban on placing any portable battery that contains more than 0.002% of cadmium by weight
batteries and accumulators placed on the market will need to display the crossed out wheeled bin symbol
all batteries must be labelled according to their lead, cadmium and mercury content
producers of appliances which contain batteries must design their products so as to allow the easy removal of batteries at the end of the products life.
Fines for failing to adhere to the regulations for placing batteries on the market or heeding an enforcement notice are set at £5,000.
Collection and recycling of spent batteries
The system for the collection, transport and recycling of waste batteries, is due to come into force during 2009. Early indications are that producers of portable batteries will have to register with the relevant enforcement agency, provide relevant information on the batteries they put on the market, join a compliance scheme and fund publicity campaigns.
Producers of industrial and automotive batteries are also likely to be required to register with the relevant authority, take back themselves or through others, waste batteries and finance the net costs of collection, treatment and recycling. But government may allow other financing arrangements between producers and users.