Batteries responsibilities for business

Batteries are widely used in powering consumer electronics, some industrial processes and in vehicles. However the substances contained in batteries can be highly toxic and harmful to the environment. Businesses have responsibilities to ensure that waste batteries are dealt with correctly.

There are two main pieces of environmental legislation that relate specifically to batteries. These set out restrictions on the use of mercury and cadmium in new batteries, labelling requirements and removability of waste batteries from appliances. They also establish a framework for the separate collection, treatment and recycling of batteries when they become waste.

You must comply with batteries regulations if your business manufactures batteries or equipment containing batteries, imports batteries into the United Kingdom for sale, distributes and supplies batteries, or is involved in the separate collection, treatment, recycling or export of waste batteries for recycling.

This guide identifies the different businesses that the regulations apply to, and the requirements under the regulations that you must comply with. It covers information on labelling, substance restrictions, removability requirements and the disposal of waste batteries and accumulators.