Batteries directive
On 18 July 2005, the European Union Council formally adopted its common position on the proposed Directive on Batteries and Accumulators and Spent Batteries and Accumulators COM (2003) 723. This will now be transmitted to the European Parliament for further negotiation. The batteries directive is scheduled to be transposed into UK law by Q4 2008 at the earliest.
The proposal, unlike existing EU legislation on batteries, applies (with limited exception) to all batteries and accumulators regardless of chemical composition. It will replace earlier directives, which only apply to batteries containing certain quantities of lead, mercury or cadmium.
The main aims of this directive are to:
- Protect the environment from harmful substances contained within batteries
- Maximise the level of battery collection and recycling
- Reduce the current levels of disposal of spent batteries via landfill
- Promote the recovery of the various metals contained in batteries
The new directive will cover all batteries regardless of shape, volume, weight, material composition or use. However, batteries used specifically for military applications are likely to be excluded from the scope of the directive.
This is producer responsibility legislation and, unlike the WEEE directive, retailers are unlikely to have any responsibility under the batteries directive with regards to collection.
Keep up to date with changing legislation and the services we offer to deal with this, by registering for updates.
Act now
We are currently working with partner recycling companies to ensure the safe, cost-effective treatment and disposal of all incoming batteries takes place. You can be assured all processes are accredited and auditable. If you have a need for battery disposal then request a quote and see how we can help.
Future compliance
Comply Direct is monitoring the progress of the batteries directive and investigating the possibility of offering compliance in this area for producer obligated companies.
Further information on the batteries directive
View DTI guidance on the draft batteries directive
Visit our resources section
