The introduction of the Battery Directive has brought the UK into line with other countries in Europe that already legislate to minimize the proportion of ending up in landfill. Every retailer in the UK that sells more that 32kg of batteries per year must provide in-store take-back facilities for consumers to return their waste batteries.
Dr Philip Morton, chief executive of battery compliance scheme, e-Batt, says: ‘The recycling targets call for stepwise increases in the proportion of batteries that need to be recycled, from the present level of 3 per cent in 2010, to 45 per cent by 2016. The figures may look steep, but they are achievable. Belgium, for example, recycles over half of its batteries. How quickly Britain can reach this level of activity remains to be seen, but it is likely to be a challenging journey.
‘However, the introduction of the Battery Directive has not passed without raising concern. The responsibility for meeting battery collection and recycling targets lies with battery manufacturers, but they, in turn, rely on the retailers and consumers who must deliver the results, and actually take action to recycle their waste batteries.
‘This is why it is essential that all stakeholders work together and make a concerted effort to raise awareness amongst the public to ensure that battery recycling becomes second nature in British households, just as using 'bags for life' have.
‘A number of organizations have shown that education campaigns can have a significant effect on recycling levels. In conjunction with REPIC, Leicester County Council, for example, increased recycling of small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) by 45 per cent following a county-wide publicity campaign to engage the public.
‘An essential part of the success of meeting the government's targets and the most effective way to achieve large-scale awareness is a cohesive, consistent, nationwide communications campaign complemented by a national network of battery collection points.
‘Ideally this would include retailers providing in-store take back under the new legislation, plus a number of other high-traffic locations, such as schools, libraries and shopping centres.’
