Battery Waste and Recycling

Since February 2010, it is deemed that shops selling more than 32kg of batteries a year have to provide in-store recycling facilities for customers; one pack of four AA batteries sold per day equals to 32kg per year.

A retailer must take back a range of batteries that are sealed and can be carried by the average person. This includes, but isn’t limited to AA, AAA, 9v batteries and rechargeable batteries from a variety of electrical components.

Where to put a battery collection point

If you sell more than 32kg of batteries per year, you must have a collection point within your place of business – whether that is a warehouse, office or shop.

Your collection point must be safe to store used batteries of all kinds, and that includes types of batteries that you do not sell.

Additionally, you must let customers know that you collect used batteries for recycling.

RecycleNow provides a range of documents and posters to help you do this. Although the service is free, your company will need to register.

Once that you have the batteries, a compliance scheme in your area will collect the batteries free of charge.

For businesses that want to transport the batteries themselves, they must obtain a waste carrier certificate and follow laws regarding the removal and transportation of hazardous waste.

Smaller retailers and distributors can voluntarily take batteries back if they sell less than 32kg a year.

What are the penalties?

It is worth noting that the National Measurement and Regulation Office (NMRO) manages the takeback scheme across the UK and can visit any premises at any time to check whether a business is complying with guidelines set out by law.

A business could be fined up to £5,000 for not complying with regulations.

Contact Commercial Waste .trade today for advice and information regarding battery waste and recycling.