Cabinet decides on implementation of EU Batteries Directive
Today's Federal Cabinet decision to draw up a new batteries act is likely to ensure larger quantities of batteries containing pollutants to disappear from the market in the future. Following a proposal made by Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel, binding targets are set for the first time for the collection of used batteries amounting to a share of 35% by 2012 and 45% by 2016. The draft act will furthermore limit the future use of cadmium in batteries. An official register will make sure that the manufacturers of batteries and accumulators meet their responsibilities regarding the recovery and disposal of their products. The tried and tested collection systems will stay in place.
The Batteries Act (BattG) implements the EU Batteries Directive in Germany. A register for manufacturers of batteries and accumulators will be set up according to EU requirements. The Federal Environment Agency will manage the register which will allow it to gain an overview of the enterprises active on the market. It will also allow the Agency to prosecute enterprises trying to dodge their own obligation to dispose of their products at the expense of their co-competitors. In the process UBA will be entitled to fine "free-riders".
The draft act also determines that 35% of the portable batteries placed on the market annually will have to be recovered and recycled as of September 2012 at the latest. After September 2016 this percentage will increase to 45%. The current regulations pertaining to the recovery and disposal of portable, automotive and industrial batteries remain largely intact.
The new Batteries Act (BattG) replaces the current Batteries Ordinance (BattV) in place since 1998.