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New Battery Directive Proposal
Proposal for a Directive on Batteries and Accumulators and Spent Batteries and Accumulators - COM(2003) 723 final
RECHARGE (aisbl) – the European Association of portable rechargeable battery manufacturers and Equipment Manufacturers using these batteries in their equipment - welcomes the proposal for a revised Battery Directive (www.rechargebatteries.org). RECHARGE has been developed on the achievements of CollectNiCad (1998-2004).
This addresses many of the shortcomings of its predecessor – the current Directive on Batteries and Accumulators (91/157/EEC). Based on an Extended Impact Assessment and the results of the Targeted Risk Assessment on cadmium used in batteries, it constitutes a tough but well balanced proposal. It will complement the WEEE Directive for the efficient collection of spent batteries in Europe.
The proposal is a realistic response to the public concern on the presence of cadmium containing batteries in waste. It introduces a policy of mandatory collection and recycling of batteries and the setting up of closed loop systems throughout Europe including a ban on landfilling of industrial batteries.
It sets ambitious binding collection and recycling targets for Ni-Cd batteries. This will prevent them from ending up in the environment and will save natural resources by re-using secondary materials in new products.
The proposal provides for the financing needed for recycling, treatment and sound disposal of spent batteries, based on the principle of producers responsibility. It builds on the financing mechanism of the WEEE Directive. Producers can use a "visible fee" on new battery sales for up to four years, will have to join national registers and must provide financial guarantees. This will help to restrict free riders and create a level playing field for the pro-active parts of industry that are committed to collection and recycling.
The proposal is a major step towards effective battery waste management and the protection of the environment in the European Union.
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RECHARGE members include companies such as Sanyo, Saft, Bosch, Black & Decker, Cooper Menvier and Thomas & Betts. For further information please visit our website www.rechargebatteries.org or contact:
Jill Ledger (Chair) or Jean-Pol Wiaux (Manager) : tel: +32 2 777 05 67
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