§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure the safe reclamation and recycling of vehicle batteries [25750]
§ Mr. PageA very high proportion of spent vehicle batteries has traditionally been recycled in the UK. Within the context of the Government's producer responsibility initiative, the industry has given a commitment to maintain a minimum 90 per cent. recycling rate.
The recycling of lead-acid batteries is controlled under part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This ensures that recycling activities are not carried out in a manner that harms human health, or cause pollution of the environment. In addition, the movement of lead-acid batteries is subject to separate controls under the Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations 1980.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to comply with European Union directives on the safe disposal and recycling of vehicle batteries. [25741]
§ Mr. PageThe GB Batteries and Accumulators (Containing Dangerous Substances) Regulations 1994, SI 1994 No. 232, implemented certain provisions of directives 91/157/EEC and 93/86/EEC, which relate to various battery types, including those normally used for starting, lighting and ignition in vehicles.
A provision requiring the separate collection of batteries caught by the directives was not transposed into law, since recycling rates in excess of 90 per cent. have traditionally been achieved for lead-acid batteries, and the industry is committed to maintaining this performance.