ACS

In 2006 the European Union brought in the Batteries Directive, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of batteries through increased recycling, more stringent measures on what chemicals batteries can be made of and improved labelling. The directive applies to all types of batteries. The Directive will lead to retailers that sell batteries having to provide recycling equipment in their stores and thereafter ensuring the safe disposal of any batteries collected.

To feed into the formulation of policy guidance ACS has submitted consultation responses, attended stakeholder events and met with BERR officials. BERR signalled that they were looking to exempt some shops based on shop size and volume of battery sales. ACS recommended the exemption of shops under 280 m². In addition ACS collected data from members on the average volume of batteries sold per year which was about 10kg per year.

The Government has issued a consultation on its draft guidance. It proposes that there should be an exemption from the requirement for shops to take back batteries for shops:

• With a floor space of less than 280 m² (i.e. shops that are not covered by the restrictions of the Sunday trading law); and
• Sell less than 16 kilograms of portable batteries per year (this works out as approximately 667 packs per year)

Exempted shops therefore will not have to accept waste batteries from end-users or have to participate in publicity requirements.

Shops over 280 m² or those selling more than 16kg of batteries per year (if there are no alterations to the guidelines) will have to provide battery recycling facilities from approximately late autumn 2009.

ACS will now feed into the latest consultation which closes on 13 February 2009.