Battery recycling rate under 3%

A recent report for the government-sponsored Battery Implementation Working Group (BIWG) has found that the recycling rate for handheld batteries was only 2.7% in 2012-13, thus supporting the need for a national product stewardship scheme.

Based on a recent survey of manufacturers, retailers and recyclers, the report estimated that 14,703 tonnes of handheld batteries reached the end of their life during 2012-13, yet only 403 tonnes were recycled. This means around 385 million handheld batteries were disposed to landfill, representing a loss of non-renewable resources including steel, lithium, zinc, manganese, cobalt, silver, plastics and rare earth elements.

Battery recycling allows these non-renewable resources to be recovered. It also removes toxic and hazardous substances from landfill, particularly lead, cadmium and mercury that may contaminate groundwater and other recyclables if not managed correctly. Lithium metal batteries can cause explosions or fires in landfill.

A recent consumer survey conducted by market research company Ipsos found that 77% of respondents believe that it is important to recycle used batteries rather than dispose of them to landfill. Voluntary battery recycling programs are continuing to grow with the support of brands, retailers, government authorities and recyclers.

The Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI) was established by such bodies to promote responsible environmental management of batteries at end-of-life. According to ABRI CEO Helen Lewis, “While some retailers and battery manufacturers are collecting batteries, much more needs to be done to meet community expectations and protect the environment.

“Collection and recycling services need to expand to provide consumers with nationwide access to a free and convenient drop-off facility for their used batteries,” Lewis said. “This will require financial support from manufacturers and importers to help cover collection and recycling costs.”

Australian governments established the BIWG in August 2013 to help in the development of a voluntary stewardship scheme for handheld batteries. Lewis noted, “ABRI fully supports a voluntary collection scheme for handheld batteries, but acknowledges that the success of a voluntary scheme is unlikely without the full cooperation of all major manufacturers and importers.

“Without the cooperation of these manufacturers in a voluntary scheme, regulation is likely to be required to create an effective solution for battery recycling in Australia. In the US, battery manufacturers and importers are already working collaboratively with governments to introduce battery recycling regulations. Perhaps this is something that needs to be seriously considered for Australia.”

The Australian Government last month published its priority list of products to be considered for accreditation or regulation under the Product Stewardship Act, once again including end-of-life batteries (up to 5 kg) on the list. The ABRI also published a series of facts sheets which address some of the issues raised during consultation on a national stewardship scheme.