Batteries (Hansard, 6 May 2004)

§ Rob Marris
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of small, domestic-type batteries were recycled in(a) 2001, (b) 2002 and (c) 2003. [164533]

§ Mr. Morley
[holding answer 26 April 2004]As far as we know, all collected batteries are recycled, but the collection rate is very low. We understand that the UK sold 25,100 tonnes of consumer batteries in 2002 and 125 tonnes were collected separately. This equates to a low collection rate of only 1 per cent.
1650W
In 2003, Britannia Zinc recycled 5 tonnes as part of the Bristol Battery Recycling Campaign. All other collected consumer batteries are sent abroad for recycling.

§ Norman Baker
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to encourage those using disposable batteries to switch to rechargeable ones. [167748]

§ Mr. Morley
The environmental case for switching to rechargeable batteries is not straightforward as not all applications are appropriate for rechargeable batteries. The Government are therefore not taking any steps on this matter.