Consumers
Try to image a world without batteries. About 120 million batteries are sold in Switzerland each year. But batteries contain toxins that are harmful to the environment. As a consumer, you can contribute a lot to the environmentally sound disposal by returning spent batteries to the recycling cycle. We at Batrec Industrie AG take care of environmentally sound disposal and recycling.
Below you find some important information on batteries from the consumer's point of view.
What is a battery?
Why collect and return spent batteries?
Where can I return old batteries?
How much do I pay for environmentally sound recycling?
What is a battery?
A battery is an energy storage device that is independent of the mains supply. During discharge, the stored chemical energy is converted into electrical energy. Today, we have batteries in countless versions, due to the wide range of applications involving rather different requirements regarding voltage, rating and capacity.
Why collect and return spent batteries?
Each year, about five billion batteries are sold in Europe, and about 120 million in Switzerland. Spent batteries and rechargeable batteries contain a large share of re-usable materials. However, they also contain environmentally hazardous toxins such as mercury, zinc, lead and manganese, which under no circumstances may be returned to the material cycle. When we collect spent batteries and return them to the recycling process instead of throwing them into the garbage can, we make a substantial contribution to the conservation of resources. Moreover, we protect the environment from hazardous heavy metals and toxins.
Where can I return old batteries?
Many people don't know: A take back requirement is in force for the trade in Switzerland. This means, batteries and rechargeable batteries can be returned to the place of purchase free of charge. In Switzerland, there are more than 12,000 collection points:
– Retail trade
– General stores
– Photo, electronics and mobile communication stores
– Kiosks, gas station shops, etc.
Watch out for the respective facilities or ask the sales staff.
The take back requirement for spent batteries is valid regardless of a purchase.
To some extent, spent batteries and rechargeable batteries may also be returned to communal collection points._Many companies provide collection points for their employees.
How much do I pay for environmentally sound recycling?
Every Swiss citizen pays 1.45 francs per year for the recycling of spent batteries. What he gets in return is simply the most environmentally sound disposal of spent batteries worldwide and the guarantee that the materials can be re-used to a large extent. Certainly, batteries can be disposed of at lower costs abroad – however, not as friendly to the environment. Because Switzerland is such a small country, Batrec is processing smaller volumes than foreign recycling companies. This difference in volume also has an impact on the price. However, 1.45 francs are still a low price for a considerable service that benefits both the environment and our health.
With the purchase of a battery or a rechargeable battery (even those in devices, for example, in a digital camera or a mobile phone) one automatically acquires the right to proper disposal. The purchase price contains an advance disposal fee which pays for the complete recycling process. Anyone who throws spent batteries into the garbage will deprive him- or herself of a service he or she has already paid for but does not take advantage of. And he or she will harm the environment, because valuable resources will not be recycled and toxic substances may be released into the environment.
