§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of batteries were recycled in each year since 1997. [104547]
§ Mr. MeacherAt present precise data demonstrating a yearly percentage of batteries recycled in the UK is unavailable, although it is estimated that approximately 90 per cent. of automotive batteries, 25 per cent. of nickel cadmium industrial batteries, 90 per cent. of lead acid industrial batteries and less than 1 per cent. of household batteries are recycled.
There is data available on the tonnages on batteries collected for recycling by local authorities, as reported in the Department's Annual Municipal Waste Management Survey (MWMS). However, the percentage of batteries recycled cannot be measured, as the tonnages of disposed batteries are unknown.
It should be noted that MWMS has only reported on batteries that surveyed Local Authorities collect for recycling, and it is known that there is a considerable amount of private recycling undertaken, especially car batteries, that is not recorded.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the environmental consequences of the disposal of batteries. [104548]
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§ Mr. MeacherNo specific assessment has been undertaken in the UK on the environmental consequences of battery disposal. However, the European Commission recently published a consultation document, on the proposed Batteries Directive, stating that 'batteries were an important source of emissions of heavy metals which cause environmental damage.'
A Government study (November 2000) 'Analysis of the Environmental Impact and Financial Costs of a Possible New European Directive on Batteries' concluded that as collection and recycling rates increase, heavy metals in batteries are progressively diverted from the municipal waste stream, thus preventing leaching of hazardous substances into the environment.