New battery rules in Europe

Restrictions are imposed on the use of the toxic metals mercury and cadmium in the manufacture of batteries in order to reduce their impact on the environment.

Under the EU Batteries and Accumulators Directive that comes into force on the 26th of September, all batteries including those embedded in appliances that do not meet new requirements cannot be sold.

The legislation applies to all types of batteries regardless of shape, volume, weight, with exemptions for military and space applications.

It also forces designers of electrical products to ensure flat batteries can be readily removed from products.

In addition measures are in place to divert waste batteries from landfill including free take-back at retailers for either recycling or appropriate disposal.

Battery makers have rapidly moved away from mercury and cadmium, with a prime example being the once ubiquitous ni-cad replaced by nickel-zinc and other rechargeable battery types.

Jim Linton VK3PC