Legislation

Spent batteries are regarded as hazardous waste all over Europe because of their share of toxins. Since the mid-90ies, many European countries have passed laws to channel the flow of pollutants and to ensure through controlled collection systems that spent batteries will be recycled in an environmentally sound manner.

Presently, the requirements in Switzerland regarding environmental compatibility in recycling spent batteries are higher than in its neighboring countries. In Switzerland it is not permitted any more, unlike in other European countries, to deposit hazardous waste. The last hazardous waste landfill site (Kölliken) was closed and today it even has to be rehabilitated. Moreover, legislation banning the dilution of waste is in force in Switzerland. Swiss legislation requires that pollutants be recycled completely and that the release of pollutants into the environment through residual waste be avoided.

The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) has banned the export of spent batteries if foreign vendors do not meet the high ecological standards regarding processing. In December 2006 the Federal Court confirmed the export ban once more.

Batrec Industrie AG complies 100 percent with the legal requirements. Compliance is monitored by the Swiss authorities in charge and can be proved by a mass balance (see Downloads).

Facts & Figures on Battery Recycling in Switzerland

• – 120 million batteries are sold in Switzerland each year.
  
• – The annual consumption of batteries in Switzerland is on a constant level of about 3,700 tons.
  
• – 66.4% of the purchased batteries are processed in the recycling plant. The targeted rate of return is about 80%.
  
• – Since April 1, 2001, an advance disposal fee is due on batteries and rechargeable batteries to pay for the disposal process of spent batteries and rechargeable batteries.