An EU Directive on waste batteries and accumulators (rechargeable batteries) was published in September 2006. The Directive aims to minimise the negative impact of waste batteries and accumulators on the environment, and to harmonise the heavy metal content and labelling of batteries and accumulators across the European market.
Portable batteries and accumulators (including those used in household appliances, toys, mobile phones, button cells used in cameras, watches etc.), industrial batteries and automotive batteries are all within the scope of the legislation.
Most batteries contain heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, lead), which are the main cause for environmental concern. If waste batteries are not disposed of correctly, heavy metals may leak when the battery corrodes, and so contribute to soil and water pollution and endanger human health.
The Batteries Directive is a Producer Responsibility Initiative (similar to WEEE, RoHS, packaging, end of life vehicles and tyres) whereby the person who places the product on the market has responsibility for financing the collection, storage, recycling and treatment of the product when it becomes waste.
The Directive has been transposed into Irish law, and many obligations under the Irish Regulations come into effect on 26 September 2008. Any person who supplies batteries to the Irish market, whether as retailers, importers or manufacturers has obligations. Consumers should not throw waste batteries into the household waste or recycling bin, but avail of the free recycling that will be available at all retail outlets that supply batteries, and at civic amenity sites.
The EPA and local authorities have enforcement roles under the legislation. In general terms, the EPA is responsible for enforcing producer obligations and local authorities for distributor obligations. The EPA will provide guidance and details of enforcement actions on this webpage as necessary.
Check Irish Waste Batteries and Accumulators legislation
Read European Commission's Questions and Answers on Batteries Legislation
Download EPA Guidance on Waste Batteries and Accumulators
Visit the following websites:
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Waste/ProducerResponsibilityObligations/Batteries
WEEE Register Society Ltd. (national producer registration body) www.weeeregister.ie
WEEE Ireland (batteries compliance scheme) www.weeeireland.ie
European Recycling Platform (batteries compliance scheme) www.erpbatteryrecycle.org
European Commission http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/batteries/index.htm
