mandate for household waste management across the board
In September, a new waste regulation will come into effect in [Country Name], marking a significant shift in the management of batteries and accumulators. The regulation aims to address environmental concerns and promote a circular economy for batteries.
Recycling more batteries could alleviate environmental issues, as batteries contain hazardous substances and heavy metals that could pollute the environment. Unfortunately, many people currently dispose of batteries in their household waste, wasting valuable resources that could be reused. In some cases, improper disposal of waste, including batteries, could even cause fires.
The new regulation requires manufacturers and retailers to invest in additional collection points, making it easier for consumers to hand in their accumulators and batteries. Proper disposal of batteries is required at special containers in supermarkets, discount stores, and other collection points.
Under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, there are mandatory recycling targets. Producers and importers must meet gradual annual recycling targets, starting at 10% in 2026-27 and rising to 75% by 2032-33. Importers of used products or scrap have a 100% EPR obligation based on previous year imports.
From 2027 onward, each battery (especially industrial, light motive, and electric vehicle batteries above 2 kWh) must carry a QR code linked to an electronic battery passport. This digital record tracks the battery’s lifecycle, including manufacturing history, repair, refurbishment, recycling data, and environmental impact such as carbon footprint and recycled material content.
The QR code supports traceability and facilitates responsible recycling and end-of-life processing by providing recyclers with detailed battery profiles. Manufacturers are now required to record detailed information on battery composition, capacity, and safe disposal instructions, which must be linked to the battery passport accessible via QR codes.
The regulation promotes incorporating recycled content into new batteries and improving transparency in material sourcing and carbon performance. A refurbishing scheme allows certain products to defer their EPR obligations temporarily. Refurbishers must register with environmental authorities and report their activities, facilitating extended product lifecycles.
As part of the safety and disposal instructions, batteries and packaging must display the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol to indicate they must be collected and disposed of separately from municipal waste, supporting recycling and environmental protection goals.
Though specific penalty amounts are not detailed in the sources, regulatory provisions strongly suggest that non-compliance with EPR targets, registration, and reporting obligations will invoke enforcement actions, including audits and financial penalties regulated by the pollution control board.
This comprehensive framework becomes effective mainly from 2026 and 2027 onwards for various battery types. The new battery law, originally intended for August, will come into effect in September, marking a significant step towards a circular economy for batteries in [Country Name].
- The family's role in environmental protection is crucial, as they can contribute by properly disposing of batteries, helping to avoid hazardous substances and heavy metals from polluting the environment.
- The new policy-and-legislation on environmental-science in [Country Name] is revolutionary, as it introduces a requirement for manufacturers and retailers to invest in collection points for batteries and accumulators, promoting a circular economy.
- The general-news about the new waste regulation in [Country Name] is significant, as it includes mandatory recycling targets under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, aiming to improve transparency in material sourcing and carbon performance, and encouraging the use of recycled content in new batteries.
