MEPs call for strict recycling scheme for batteries EU-wide

Publication date: 06 April 2004

In November 2003, the Commission adopted a proposal for a new Battery Directive (COM(2003) 723 final - COD(2003) 0282). Each year, approximately 800.000 tonnes of automotive batteries, 190.000 tonnes of industrial batteries and 160.000 tonnes of portable batteries are sold throughout Europe. Non-rechargeable portable batteries represent the largest proportion of the portable battery market, approximately 72% in 2002.

com2003_723_battery_directive.pdf (294 KB)

In its first reading of the draft directive today, the Parliament's Environment Committee adopted the report of its rapporteur Hans Blokland calling for clear targets for recycling of batteries and accumulators throughout the EU.

report_draft_blokland_batteries.pdf (262 KB)

MEPs are demanding a collection rate of 50% of the national annual sales of portable batteries instead of a figure of 160 grams per inhabitant per year as proposed by the Commission, which would in practice have meant a collection rate of 40%. The committee says the collection targets should be amended to percentage targets in order to better reflect the level of consumption, which varies throughout the EU.

The committee also wants to limit the use of cadmium, lead and mercury in batteries wherever possible. It is therefore calling for governments to prohibit sales of all batteries or accumulators containing more than 5 parts per million (ppm) of mercury by weight, 40 ppm of lead, and/or 20 ppm of cadmium. A list of exemptions will be provided for applications where the use of these heavy metals is unavoidable - in other words, where no substitutes exist (cordless power tools, trains....). But MEPs say the list should be reviewed to ensure that it keeps up with latest technological developments, for example if the use of these metals becomes avoidable through the emergence of alternatives.

Related News Item:
Proposal for a new Battery Directive published (25 November 2003)

Next step:
Plenary vote scheduled for 21 April 2004