Press Release: Batteries: Commission requires collection and recycling of all batteries

The European Commission adopted a Proposal on 25 November 2003 for a new Battery Directive, which will require the collection and recycling of all batteries placed on the EU market. It aims to prevent spent batteries ending up in incinerators or landfills and therefore to recover the various metals used in batteries. Due to the metals they contain, batteries pose environmental concerns when they are incinerated or landfilled. Since thousands of tonnes of different metals are used in battery production, their collection and recycling will also contribute substantially to saving natural resources. The proposed Directive aims to create an EU-wide framework for national battery collection and recycling schemes and will enhance the proper functioning of the internal market. An Extended Impact Assessment, carried out by the Commission in the preparation of this Proposal, has identified the proposed measures as the most sustainable policy options from environmental, economic and social points of view.

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/environment/waste/batteries/index.htm http://ec.europa.eu/comm/environment/waste/batteries/index.htm

---