Batteries and Accumulators

There is no current UK legislation specifically governing batteries, however the Landfill Directive will require it eventually. Batteries are currently regulated as controlled waste under the existing regulatory requirements ie Waste licensing, Special waste. Lead-acid batteries are now listed as Hazardous Waste.

Some types of battery contain metals so they must be disposed of correctly or recycled to prevent the leaching of hazardous materials. Currently only lead-acid based batteries are recycled in the UK the others are shipped abroad for recycling. There is a range of business battery collection schemes in the UK.