ecosurety released its response based on members' feedback.
A few weeks ago (August 2013) the government released proposals to change the definition of a ‘portable’ battery, prompting ecosurety to issue a survey to its members asking for feedback. Following analysis of the survey results, and further research into the potential implications of the changes, ecosurety has released its response.
By proposing the changes, the government hopes to address the mismatch between the chemistry of batteries being placed onto the market and those which are recycled. The suggestion proposed by ecosurety is that the only way to combat this issue is to have chemistry specific targets, similar to the PRN (Packaging waste Recovery Note) system. However, this would require a potentially time-consuming regulatory change. In the short term a weight we recommend a threshold of 5kg to help define the difference between a 'portable' and 'industrial' battery.
It's important that we represent our members' interests and we have reflected their views in our response. We agree that something must be done to ensure producers and recyclers are using the same process to define a battery. However, we feel that the government's proposal can only be considered a band-aid for an issue requiring more major surgery.
In lieu of chemistry specific targets for battery recycling, which would require regulatory changes, we propose a 5kg threshold be introduced to provide greater clarity on what is meant by 'portable'. This will ease the problem without significantly reducing the UK's ability to hit battery recycling targets or risking a huge price increase for our members.
Robbie Staniforth
Head of policy
Having gained a wealth of experience in regulatory affairs, waste issues and secondary commodity market analysis, Robbie uses his skills internally as an operational board member and externally to influence legislation change as head of policy. He is responsible for liaising with government, regulators and industry organisations to articulate complex views and interests and to provide high-level policy expertise, industry insight and market analysis to our members.
Useful links
The Environment Agency has released figures confirming that the recycling industry achieved a battery collection rate of 45.23% in 2018 - but does it deserve applause?
Read More >>Bristol’s battery recycling will be given a boost with the launch of a pilot project that seeks to increase the number of batteries being recycled by homes across the city.
Read More >>With the release of the Q3 figures for the UK’s portable battery collections, large positive gains have resulted in the strongest quarter to date for 2018, and put the UK in a position to see hitting target for the year as a viable proposition.
Read More >>
