Directive 2006/66/EC on Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators seeks to improve the environmental performance of new batteries and ensure collection, treatment and recycling of waste batteries. It applies to batteries of all shapes, volumes, weights, types and uses, but distinguishes between portable, industrial and automotive batteries and accumulators.
Key provisions in the Directive include:
- Restrictions on the use of mercury and cadmium in batteries
- Labelling requirements for new batteries to aid consumer choice and recycling
- A prohibition on the disposal by landfill or incineration of waste industrial and automotive batteries – in effect setting a 100% collection and recycling target
- The introduction of “producer responsibility” obligations
Members States are required to transpose the Directive into national law by 26 September 2008. TThe consultation seeks views on options for implementing the requirements of the new Directive in the UK in order to inform government decisions on the content of legislation to transpose the Directive. There will be further public consultation on draft Regulations in due course.
How your company may be affected
The proposed schemes require producers to financially support arrangements for collection, treatment and recycling of batteries, in either a centralised way, or through multiple, local compliance schemes. Under the Directive a producer of batteries is defined 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 put on the UK marke
- 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
The consultation should further concern the following:
- Battery retailers/distributors/distant sellers
- Battery collection, treatment and/or recycling operator
- Battery distributor/retailer
- Battery pack assembler
- Local Authority Consumers
The closing date for the consultation is 13th March 2008 . EEF would welcome member views on these proposals.
Further information
For more information and access to the consultation document please click here.