Agreement was finally reached this month on Proposal COM(2003)723, for a Directive on batteries and accumulators and spent batteries and accumulators. The proposal which was first introduced in November 2003, aims to reduce the quantity of spent batteries and accumulators and set targets for their collection and recycling. The minimum collection rates to be met by all Member States have been set at 25% by 2012 and 45% by 2016. Member States are also required to establish schemes for producers to take back spent batteries and accumulators free of charge, with a view to recycling their raw materials. The sale of new products containing a certain amount of the heavy metals cadmium and mercury will be banned.
Once the proposed Directive comes into force later this year, the UK will have to implement it within two years.
