Legislative pressures could lead to the UK becoming a leader in the waste management of batteries, according to a report published by consultants Frost & Sullivan.

The report, ‘European Batteries Waste Management Market’ looks at current and future market prospects for collecting, treating and disposing of waste batteries across Europe. The report claims that EU-wide battery waste management revenues will have increased by an average of 32 per cent a year between 2009 and 2016.

With the UK portable battery collection rate, estimated to be as low as 3 per cent last year, the report states that, “demand for battery waste management will steadily rise over the forecast period as legislative pressure for compliance in the UK, Southern Europe and CEE region support demand for immediate and reliable solutions to manage their battery waste needs.”

The report says that, while battery recycling companies have a strong presence in Germany, France and Scandinavian countries, the EU Batteries Directive will pave the way for developing facilities in other countries, such as the UK.

The report states that,

“the UK market is expected to be a significant regional centre of activity in lieu of the new legislation that establishes the legislative framework for the collection, treatment and recycling of waste batteries and accumulators.”