Battery producers and their compliance schemes in the UK must meet a 45% recycling target of portable types annually.
The collection rate tonnage is determined via compliance scheme procurement of battery recycling evidence notes, on behalf of their members, from Approved Battery Treatment Operators (ABTOs) or Approved Battery Exporters (ABEs).
The most recent EA data, published on 29 August, states that in the first two quarters of 2023 15,860 tonnes of portable batteries were placed on the UK market. The indicative UK obligation for the year stands at 16,021.6 tonnes, which is 45% of a three-year rolling placed on market average – indicative until Q3 and Q4 2023 data becomes available.
The data shows the tonnage of waste portable batteries collected in the UK to July was 10,357.9 tonnes, and the tonnage of portable battery evidence notes accepted was 11,924.1, meaning the official progress to target stands at 33.49%. This indicates good progress toward the 45% target needed by the end of the year.
Portable batteries placed on the market in 2023
Portable batteries collected for recycling by compliance schemes in 2023
We still expect the consultation on reforming battery producer compliance by the end of the year, which should address many of the issues in the system including a lack of data granularity and ways to boost collection systems.
We can help you set up collection infrastructure
We have thousands of battery collection points across the UK. To discuss how we can help you set up the infrastructure to collect batteries from your retail stores or offices, please call our dedicated collection team on 0333 4330 370 or send an email to collections@ecosurety.com.
Louisa Goodfellow
Policy Manager
As Policy advisor Louisa provides key support to our team, including preparing reports on environmental policy issues and maintaining awareness of new developments. As such she will often be found coordinating responses to policy consultations, advocating policy positions and providing internal guidance to current legislation.
