Recycling Batteries? Why Bother?
Well, it seems most aren't, judging by the recently published figures from the association of the European Battery Recycling Industry (EBRA). The drop of almost 2,000 tonnes of end-of-life batteries being recycled from 2009 to 2011 has prevented the required growth of the EU battery recycling market.
According to a new EU directive, 45% of all batteries sold by 2016 are to be collected rather than dumped or burned, and at least half of that percentage is to be recycled.
The hazardous metals contained in batteries - such as lead, mercury, cadmium,manganese, lithium and zinc - are very damaging to the environment. If buried they will eventually leak chemicals into the ground causing soil and water pollution, which is harmful to animals, humans and of course the environment, whilst burning batteries causes pollution in the atmosphere.
What types of batteries can be recycled?
Batteries can be found in so many items we use on a daily basis: toys at home, laptops, PCs, cars, torches, watches, mobile phones, computer mice to name but a few.
For example, computer equipment disposal falls under the WEEE regulations, and a fast-expanding stream of waste in the UK is lap top recycling, due to the fact that they are so frequently outdated and/or replaced. Batteries that are incorporated into computer equipment disposal can be collected for free under the WEEE Directive. For example a laptop contains a lithium battery, whilst a PC holds a Dry Cell 2032. Once collected they are removed and are then counted towards collection targets of the Battery Directive.
Britain is not faring well€¦
Championing the battery recycling war is France, having recycled over 11,000 tonnes in 2012, whilst the UK lagged behind significantly managing a measly 1.5 tonnes. Oh dear€¦
Why are we lagging so far behind? Well, at an expense of more than 10 times the cost of burying batteries in landfill sites it's easy to understand it from a financial aspect. The UK Government has done little to encourage better rates of recycling for example incorporating a charge into the initial costs of batteries, as is standard procedure in Belgium to cover the cost of recycling.
The Government is currently sponsoring battery collection schemes across 13 council areas, although it has been suggested that this will do little to achieve the targets set in the new directive, which are a challenge to say the least.
Where do we sit currently?
Britain currently throws away (30,000 tonnes) almost double of the amount of batteries purchased (17,000 tonnes) every year, and recycles only 17% (1,000 tonnes) of those purchased. Unfortunately this means that the cost of recycling is likely to increase unless a battery recycling scheme is run more efficiently.
What can we do to improve?
Whist rechargeable batteries cost more initially they have a much longer life span and can be used many times if used in the correct manner. They protect the environment and prevent waste, in line with the reduce element of the 3 R Hierarchy.
Alternatively, when that annoyingly noisy toy in your child's toy box eventually gives out and dies a death, instead of throwing the whole thing in the bin, take out the batteries first for recycling.
Next time you think about lap top recycling, consider the battery contained within, and do your bit towards the Battery Directive.
Well, it seems most aren't, judging by the recently published figures from the association of the European Battery Recycling Industry (EBRA). The drop of almost 2,000 tonnes of end-of-life batteries being recycled from 2009 to 2011 has prevented the required growth of the EU battery recycling market.
According to a new EU directive, 45% of all batteries sold by 2016 are to be collected rather than dumped or burned, and at least half of that percentage is to be recycled.
The hazardous metals contained in batteries - such as lead, mercury, cadmium,manganese, lithium and zinc - are very damaging to the environment. If buried they will eventually leak chemicals into the ground causing soil and water pollution, which is harmful to animals, humans and of course the environment, whilst burning batteries causes pollution in the atmosphere.
What types of batteries can be recycled?
Batteries can be found in so many items we use on a daily basis: toys at home, laptops, PCs, cars, torches, watches, mobile phones, computer mice to name but a few.
For example, computer equipment disposal falls under the WEEE regulations, and a fast-expanding stream of waste in the UK is lap top recycling, due to the fact that they are so frequently outdated and/or replaced. Batteries that are incorporated into computer equipment disposal can be collected for free under the WEEE Directive. For example a laptop contains a lithium battery, whilst a PC holds a Dry Cell 2032. Once collected they are removed and are then counted towards collection targets of the Battery Directive.
Britain is not faring well€¦
Championing the battery recycling war is France, having recycled over 11,000 tonnes in 2012, whilst the UK lagged behind significantly managing a measly 1.5 tonnes. Oh dear€¦
Why are we lagging so far behind? Well, at an expense of more than 10 times the cost of burying batteries in landfill sites it's easy to understand it from a financial aspect. The UK Government has done little to encourage better rates of recycling for example incorporating a charge into the initial costs of batteries, as is standard procedure in Belgium to cover the cost of recycling.
The Government is currently sponsoring battery collection schemes across 13 council areas, although it has been suggested that this will do little to achieve the targets set in the new directive, which are a challenge to say the least.
Where do we sit currently?
Britain currently throws away (30,000 tonnes) almost double of the amount of batteries purchased (17,000 tonnes) every year, and recycles only 17% (1,000 tonnes) of those purchased. Unfortunately this means that the cost of recycling is likely to increase unless a battery recycling scheme is run more efficiently.
What can we do to improve?
Whist rechargeable batteries cost more initially they have a much longer life span and can be used many times if used in the correct manner. They protect the environment and prevent waste, in line with the reduce element of the 3 R Hierarchy.
Alternatively, when that annoyingly noisy toy in your child's toy box eventually gives out and dies a death, instead of throwing the whole thing in the bin, take out the batteries first for recycling.
Next time you think about lap top recycling, consider the battery contained within, and do your bit towards the Battery Directive.