Battery recycling is to become a whole lot easier once a new consortium launches a free recovery scheme later in the year.
WeeeCare PLC, which manages the largest compliance scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment, has instigated the partnership, which includes battery manufacturers, importers and retailers. Started on 1 July, the scheme is operated by not-for-profit company BatteryBack and will collect all types of batteries.
Specially-designed BatteryCans will be installed at civic amenity sites, schools and supermarkets, providing more than 30,000 free collection points across the UK.
BatteryBack has entered a supply agreement with Remploy – a leading provider of employment opportunities for disabled people through work – to regionally sort and pre-treat collected batteries before recovery.
Simon Perfect, WeeeCare’s Commercial Director, explained that battery collection will be combined with other hazardous waste collections to overcome the problems of collecting relatively small amounts of waste cost-effectively. “Batteries are normally collected in weights below 20 kg,” he said. “It is, therefore, environmentally and commercially unacceptable to collect batteries on their own.”
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.