Household Battery Recycling

I have been asked by local residents about the position regarding the recycling of household batteries.

Household battery recycling is a relatively new field for the UK. Traditionally only lead acid vehicle batteries have been recycled and facilities are available at all five Household Waste Recycling Centres(HWRCs)for these. Wigan Council does have one trial point for household batteries at the Slag Lane HWRC which is being monitored.

The situation is set to change because the UK has adopted the European Battery Directive. This requires manufacturers and importers to fund collection and recycling for spent batteries. Regulations for the collection, transport and recycling of waste batteries are expected by late 2008 or early 2009. This will allow battery recycling to be more accessible to the public and likely that facilities will be available at all HWRCs.

I will give updates on this blog when I receive any further information about this issue