15th February 2010: Local Euro MEP Welcomes New Scheme for Free Recycling of Batteries

Linda McAvan, MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, has welcomed the start of a new free batteries recycling service. 

Under the EU Batteries Directive, from 1st February 2010 the public will be able to hand-in any used batteries, free of charge, for recycling at retail outlets and businesses.  Supermarkets and electrical stores are examples of retailers who are most likely to provide recycling facilities but used or unwanted batteries can be returned to any outlet or store that displays the ‘Be Positive’ sign.   The aim of the new regulations is for 25 per cent of all batteries to be recycled by 2012, increasing to 45 per cent by 2016.

Commenting, Linda said: “Batteries contain potentially harmful substances and simply throwing them away is a terrible waste of resources when so much of a battery can often be recycled.  I believe people are keen to play their part in recycling and this means the facilities will now exist to allow this to happen.  That’s why the EU’s Batteries Directive is so important in making effective recycling as easy as possible for people.”

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Editor’s notes:

The Batteries Directive is part of EU moves to reduce waste and pollution and help tackle climate change.  Portable batteries often contain potentially harmful chemicals including lead, mercury and cadmium yet are found in everyday devices including mobile phones, cameras, laptops, cordless power tools, toys and a range of household appliances.  Previously, batteries should have been disposed of only at official council recycling sites.  However, most have been thrown out with the general rubbish and end up in landfill where these chemicals can leak into the environment and cause harm. 

Portable batteries range from AAA cells to mobile phone and watch batteries.  Rechargeable batteries are also included.  Distributors of batteries have to provide a container for batteries to be collected and should use a sign to advertise the service.  The batteries themselves are collected from distributors free of charge by producers, who must join a Battery Compliance Scheme to collectively arrange collections and recycling.