§ Keith VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of household batteries sold were recycled after use in 2002; and what plans she has to take measures to improve this record. [107402]
§ Mr. MeacherNo assessment has been undertaken to measure percentage of household batteries recycled in 2002. However, the current recycling rate is estimated to be less than 2 per cent, for the UK.
An EC Batteries Directive is currently being negotiated that will set targets for the collection and recycling of automotive, industrial and consumer (or household) batteries. In anticipation of these targets, the Government have set up a major pilot project to study the collection and recycling of consumer batteries in Bristol. The results of the pilot will be made available to all local authorities. Other pilot collection schemes involving industry, local authorities and/or waste management companies include those in Lancashire, Cheshire, Dorset, Barnet and Ealing.
We expect the new batteries Directive will set collection and recycling targets for consumer batteries so it is likely that more battery collection and recycling schemes will need be set up throughout the UK.