UK to launch free battery recovery scheme in July
A joint initiative between a waste management company, battery manufacturers and importers, major retailers and other stakeholders will see the launch of the UK's first free national recovery scheme for all types of batteries on 1st July 2008.
The scheme will be operated by BatteryBack, a not-for-profit company which has been set up in readiness for the introduction of the new Battery Recycling Regulations. These are expected to be introduced soon after September 26 - the day the European Battery Directive comes into force.
The Directive states that 25 per cent of all portable batteries must be recycled by 2012, rising to 45 per cent by 2016. Currently the UK recycles less than 3 per cent of portable batteries, with more than 30,000 tonnes of batteries being discarded every year.
BatteryBack will provide about 30,000 BatteryCans - specially-designed collection canisters - at local authority civic amenity sites, schools and supermarkets.
For more information see http://www.batteryback.co.uk
Source: Resource Recovery Forum Email News Service
