Battery recycling not all down to retailers
Retailers cannot be expected bear the entire responsibility for getting batteries recycled, says the BRC
As a new requirement for shops to collect used batteries came into force on MOnday 1st February, the BRC said retailers back the legislation’s aim of reducing the number of batteries going to landfill. They recognise their responsibilities. They’re confident in-store collection facilities are now in place but on its own that will not be enough.
Meeting national targets to increase battery recycling rates to 25 per cent by 2012 and 45 per cent by 2016 will need more use of kerbside collections and a comprehensive and continuing information campaign to change customers’ habits.
British Retail Consortium Head of Environment Bob Gordon said: “The aim of reducing the number of batteries going to landfill is a good one. Retailers recognise their responsibilities and they’re ready with the facilities the law requires but on its own that won’t be enough.
“Informing customers isn’t all down to retailers. We need a comprehensive and continuing information campaign. And shops can’t be the only route for collection. We need an infrastructure to develop which includes workplaces, schools, community centres and kerbside collection.
“All the evidence shows home collections of recyclables are easiest for customers and produce the best results. Developing these mustn’t be ignored.
“We need more local authorities to take used batteries from homes and a more consistent recycling regime for all materials. Incompatible schemes for dealing with different waste products – batteries, electricals, glass, plastics – confuse people and hold back overall recycling rates.”
