The Government have introduced new UK regulations to transpose the EU's batteries directive. The regulations make battery producers responsible for collecting, treating and recycling waste batteries.
Most industrial and automotive batteries are already recycled. The regulations seek to ensure that this will continue. However, few portable batteries are currently recycled. The new regulations require portable battery producers to join a Battery Compliance Scheme. The schemes will be responsible for increasing battery collection rates. DEFRA and the schemes will also carry out publicity activities to encourage consumers to recycle their batteries. From February 2010, most shops selling household batteries will collect waste batteries from consumers.