Batteries
UPDATE ON BATTERIES DIRECTIVE
Below is the latest information on the implementation of the batteries directive. What is the Batteries Directive?
• The Batteries Directive is an European Directive which aims to reduce the environmental impact of batteries.
• The UK will have new responsibilities in how batteries are recovered, treated and disposed of.
• The UK target is to move from recycling 2 per cent of portable batteries in 2007, to 25 per cent by 2012, rising to at least 45 per cent in 2016.
What does this mean for retailers?
From 1 February 2010, if you are a distributor who sells over 32kg a year of portable batteries in an individual store you will need to take back used batteries from the public free of charge.
Will I have to comply?
You will if you sell over 32kg of batteries a year. The table below gives an indication of how many battery packs this will be:
Type Weight per battery (grams) Weight of pack of 4 (grams) How many packs of 4 = 32 kg
AA 23 92 348
AAA 12 48 666
C 66 264 120
D 148 592 54
Defra is developing an online calculator which will help you work out if you sell more than 32kg. This is yet to be completed
What will retailers have to do?
• accept all types of portable batteries – not just the ones you sell
• provide the take-back facility free of charge to the public (that is, not require them to purchase goods from you in order to return used portable batteries)
• provide your customers with information about your take-back facility (e.g. at your sales point)
• Choose a Battery Compliance Scheme
Battery Compliance Schemes
• Battery Compliance Schemes will collect the used batteries from your premises free of charge
• To arrange collection, you can contact any of the approved BCSs and discuss arrangements with them
• The scheme must contact you within 21 days to agree a collection date.
• The list of battery compliance schemes is available here : www.environment-agency.gov.uk/batteries
Backhauling
• Retailers will also have the option of using their own delivery vehicles to transport collected used batteries to appointed consolidation points (‘backhauling’).
• However, there will be strict requirements for businesses which choose to do this since batteries will be classed as hazardous is transport (guidance will be issued by SEPA)
• SGF recommend companies do not do this and to use a Battery Compliance Scheme instead
Other Questions
Are used batteries dangerous to keep on the shop floor?
• There are no specific health and safety requirements for storing waste batteries
• Batteries only become hazardous when transported
• However DEFRA are advising normal health and safety considerations apply such as not storing next to a radiator
• They will published Guidance on this in the next few weeks
Who will provide containers and publicity materials?
• Retailers will be responsible for organising both of these
• However, Battery Compliance Schemes are likely to be able to provide containers and publicity material.
• A publicity toolkit is available here
Can I still collect batteries if I sell less than 32kg?
• Yes
• However you will not be entitled to free collection by a BCS.
• Therefore talk to a BCS before you start collecting to ensure that they will take your batteries
The attached Pdfs contain SEPA Guidance on Batteries
batteries_-_what_you_should_know
Scottish Grocers Federation