UK Introduces Battery Compliance Scheme

The UK has introduced a multiple producer compliance scheme system in order to meet the requirements of the EU Batteries Directive. However, the government has revealed that the new regulations may not be put into action until late this year.

In a response to December’s consultation on the collection, treatment and recycling of waste batteries, Defra and BERR outlined schemes for the implementation of the Batteries Directive, which is scheduled to be entered into UK law on 26 September.

Despite the efforts of the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Council (LARAC), Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the Local Government Association (LGA) who have advocated the presence of a single producer, the government has decided to support a multiple scheme approach.

The UK has a long way to go to reach their target: 25% of waste portable batteries by 2012. Currently it collects just 3%. When 67 stakeholders were polled as to the preference of a single or multiple producers to meet the goal, the vote was even.

The government eventually decided to opt for a multiple producer compliance system, and released this statement: “The Government envisages that a market-driven system of this design will provide more flexibility for producers, giving them an element of choice and potentially resulting in their incurring lower costs.”

“It is also an established model for applying the principle of producer responsibility. The Government agrees with respondents on the need for a simple and straightforward compliance system.”

“We have concluded that the additional tier of a coordinating body is not necessary as its core functions can be performed just as effectively by compliance schemes, provided that the relevant legal requirements on schemes are clear,” it added.

For more information, visit:  www.ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/batteries   and www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/topics/batteries