EU Regulation Update

Promo e-news has received this update on the Batteries Directive from Margot Parker, a consultant on EU legislation for industry.

New regulations come into force this month that require retailers selling batteries to provide collection and recycling facilities for their disposal. The rules are part of the EU's Batteries Directive and are there to deal with the thousands of tonnes of harmful metals from batteries that pollute the environment when used batteries are put into landfill.

The new regulations will allow consumers to dispose of used batteries free of charge by depositing them at collection points and will come into effect from February 1st 2010.

Collection facilities are expected in shops, offices, warehouses or even in schools and libraries, final details on take back facilities are still being finalised.

How does this impact on the promotions industry? Well, the directive will affect any business that uses, produces, supplies or disposes of batteries, (including importers and distributors) as well as any businesses that manufacture or design battery powered products.

In the office, any company will be encouraged to separate their waste batteries (including mobile phone batteries) to help treatment and recycling.

If you place one tonne or less of portable batteries on the market per year you will not have to pay for the collection, treatment and recycling of batteries. You will have to register with your environmental regulator using the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD). 

If you place more than one tonne of batteries on the market in a year, you should arrange for the collection, recycling and disposal of waste batteries in proportion to their market share.

Margot Parker

Director, Eurocom-Consult.com

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