These Regulations partially implement Directive 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators in the UK and repeal Council Directive 91/157/EEC on batteries and accumulators containing certain dangerous substances. Furthermore, these Regulations revoke the following set of regulations:
Batteries and Accumulators (Containing Dangerous Substances) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995
The main purpose of the EU Directive is the protection of the environment and human health. It provides that new batteries (single use cells) and accumulators (commonly known as rechargeable batteries) or appliances containing batteries or accumulators that are placed on the market must not contain prohibited levels of heavy metals and that they must be labelled to show the heavy metal content and to promote recycling. It also provides that certain types of new electrical and electronic equipment must be designed in a way that facilities the easy removal of waste batteries and accumulators for recycling purposes.
