Dep Noel Treacy has welcomed plans to introduce a free battery recycling service throughout the country from next month.
The scheme, which is being introduced under the EU Batteries Directive from September 26, will see all shops selling batteries acting as collection points for recycling. Consumers can bring their batteries to any shop selling similar batteries, regardless of where the batteries were purchased.
“There will be no obligation to buy new batteries,” Dep Treacy explained. “Recycling centres run by local authorities will also accept waste batteries free of charge.
“In an attempt to make battery recycling as convenient as possible, workplaces and schools may be designated as collection points subject to the agreement of local management,” he added.
“The cost of collection, treatment and recycling or environmentally sound disposal of the waste batteries will be met by battery producers.
“This development will be a welcome one for consumers. Many people have concerns about waste batteries and their contents. Now consumers can be assured that their batteries are being recycled or disposed of safely and in an environmentally friendly manner.”
