Batteries responsibilities for business

If you supply 32 kilograms or more of portable batteries per year to end users, you must allow all end users to return waste portable batteries free of charge. If you have more than one retail outlet, you only have to take back batteries at those that supply more than the 32 kilogram threshold. The responsibilities apply even if you are using distance selling methods.

One pack of four AA batteries per day is approximately 32 kilograms per year. To work out how much you supply, use a battery weight calculator.

You must:

• ensure there is a free collection point for all kinds of waste portable batteries, not only the types you supply
• provide information to end users about your take-back arrangements

Only batteries supplied separately from equipment count towards the 32 kilograms threshold. Distributors of equipment containing portable batteries - such as laptop computers or mobile phones - do not have to take back waste portable batteries unless they also supply portable batteries separately.

You must not charge end users for returning waste portable batteries. They can drop off waste portable batteries without having to buy new batteries. You must not show customers the separate cost of collecting, treating and recycling batteries.

Point-of-sale information

You must provide information to customers about your take-back facility, including the location of your take-back facility and how it can be used.

If you supply portable batteries online or by mail order, you could include the identifier on your website or on other relevant documentation. You will still need to provide the information about your take-back service, however.

Store waste batteries securely

You should collect waste batteries in secure containers.

If you store waste portable batteries at a collection point, this activity is exempt from waste management licensing, although you will need to register an exemption.

If you intend to transport the waste batteries you collect yourself, you must comply with controls on hazardous waste and dangerous goods.

You must also ensure that the batteries collected are taken for recycling. Distributors with obligations to have a take-back system are entitled to request a free collection from battery compliance schemes (BCSs).

BCS duties

You should contact a BCS to arrange for the waste batteries that you have collected to be taken away. The BCS must respond within 21 days in order to make arrangements for collection. The collection must be free of charge to the distributor.

Distributors below the 32 kilogram threshold

If you supply less than 32 kilograms of portable batteries in a year, you have no waste portable battery take-back responsibilities. You can still choose to collect waste batteries, but you will not be entitled to free collection by a BCS. You may need to arrange for the transport and disposal of the waste portable batteries that you have collected yourself. You must therefore comply with controls on hazardous waste and dangerous goods.

It is recommended that you contact a BCS or your waste contractor before you start collecting waste portable batteries to find out what recycling options they operate that you may be able to access.

How the regulations are enforced

The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) is responsible for ensuring that portable battery distributors meet their obligations. Their inspectors have the right to visit you without giving notice to check that you are doing so.