The Batteries Directive places obligation on the recovery and recycling and 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.
The directive will especially affect the following businesses:
- Manufacturers
- Importers
- Distributors
- End-users
- Businesses involved in treating and recycling waste batteries
- Vehicle sales and maintenance businesses
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.
Retailer and distributor responsibilities
You must offer free of charge collection (‘takeback’) of waste portable batteries if you sell or supply 32kg or more of portable batteries a year.
One pack of 4 AA batteries per day equals about 32kg per year.
This rule applies if you run a shop, a chain or sell batteries online, by mail order or telephone. You must offer the service at each premise from which batteries are supplied.