Battery Directive

The European Union (EU) adopted the “Batteries Directive” (91/157/EEC) in March 1991. This introduced restrictions on the use of mercury in most batteries and encouraged collection and recycling. However, the objectives of this Directive were not achieved as most portable batteries were still sent to landfill. As a result, the EU has introduced, and adopted, a new battery directive (2006/66/EC) that came into force on the 26th  of September 2008 and repealed the previous Directive. However, batteries placed on the market on, or before, the 26th only need to comply with 91/157/EEC.

 

EU Directive 2006/66/EC on waste batteries and accumulators (the “battery directive”) is intended to minimize the impact of waste batteries and accumulators on the environment and on human health.

 

The battery directive specifies that:

 

• All types of waste batteries and accumulators must be collected separately for recycling.
• Batteries and accumulators must be marked with the separate collection symbol.
• Battery and accumulator markings must include symbols to indicate the presence of specific levels of certain toxic metals.
• Product documentation must show the end user how to properly remove the battery or accumulator for recycling (when such removal is possible).
• The end user must be advised of the hazards of improper disposal of the batteries and accumulators.

 

There are a number of countries that have or are in the process of implementing their own legislation such as China, Brazil, Turkey, India, etc. Tachus provides comprehensive solutions for Battery compliance for different regions. Contact Tachus for more information.

See REACH FAQ for more details.