BatteryBack battery recycling scheme up and running

BatteryBack is fully charged and operating. Morrisons and Bradford Metropolitan District Council have launched a joint BatteryBack initiative at stores, schools, public buildings and civic amenity sites (see story below) and more than 200 BatteryCans have now been ordered by retailers, local authorities and large commercial premises.

As a result – and following the Government’s indication of its thinking in relation to the new Battery Recycling Regulations – we had ordered a further 1,000 BatteryCans for immediate distribution.

The BatteryBack website (www.batteryback.org) offers a user-friendly interface where individuals can find over 1,000 free collection points for all types of batteries by simply entering their postcode. These points are primarily located at civic amenity sites, with plans to expand as more sites become available.

The UK is committed to significantly boosting battery recycling, targeting a rise from the historical rate of 2.8% annually to a minimum of 45% by 2030. To meet this ambitious goal, it is estimated that more than 100,000 collection points will be required nationwide.

WasteCare is at present the only recycling company in the UK offering the free BatteryBack solution. Consequently, we aim to open at least 2,000 trial sites by October of 2012, when the Government’s draft Regulations are expected to be published. Thereafter, the roll-out will be speeded up.