British Retail Consortium (BRC) has stated that retailers cannot be expected to bear the entire responsibility for getting batteries recycled.
As a new requirement for shops to collect used batteries comes into force today, the BRC said retailers back the legislation’s aim of reducing the number of batteries going to landfill. 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% by 2012 and 45% by 2016, will need more use of kerbside collections and a comprehensive and continuing information campaign to change customers’ habits.
Bob Gordon, head of environment at BRC, 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.
“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.”
