Recycling your batteries

The EU Battery Directive (2006/66/EC) means that by 2012 EU countries should be recycling 25% of all portable batteries in circulation.  That’s well over 10000 tonnes!  Batteries are classed as hazardous waste containing a variety of potentially harmful substances like lead, cadmium, mercury, zinc, manganese, iron and nickel so dumping them in landfill is not a good idea (not to mention illegal).

 As well as being potentially hazardous, the metals in batteries can be recycled to preserve precious natural resources.  CTEM is currently looking into a scheme so that the company and its staff can recycle portable batteries for free and contribute to this important environmental target.  Watch out for further details.