Press Release: Environment: new EU legislation requiring collection and recycling of spent batteries applies from today

Revised EU legislation that aimed to protect human health and the environment by ensuring waste batteries are properly collected and recycled came in to force from 26 September, 2008. The directive also made producers responsible for the management of batteries once they become waste. Adopted by the European Parliament and Council in 2006, the revised Batteries Directive should be transposed by Member States into national law by today. So far seven Member States have communicated to the Commission national legislation which fully transposes the directive.