What action is the Welsh Government taking, along with their local government partners, to tackle battery waste and promote the recycling of lithium ion batteries?
The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 introduced a system of producer responsibility that requires producers of batteries and accumulators (rechargeable batteries) to take responsibility for arranging the separate collection, treatment and recycling of batteries and accumulators when they become waste. The regulations prohibit the incineration or landfill of all types of batteries and increase the recycling rates of portable, automotive, and industrial batteries, including electric vehicle batteries.
The main route for the recycling of household batteries is for them to be taken to retailers/shops who offer a take back service, or they can be taken to a household waste recycling centre.
The Workplace Recycling Regulations due to come into force in April 2024 will ensure that unsold small waste electrical items including batteries produced on non-domestic premises will be presented for collection separately.
In partnership with the other governments in the UK, we are reviewing the battery regulations and the producer responsibility requirements, including considering measures to promote the wider recovery and reuse as well as improved recycling of all battery types as part of the transition to a circular economy.