| BATTERY COLLECTION |
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| There is today no legal requirement (at EU level) to return all spent batteries for recycling. However, a number of countries
in Europe have national (all) battery collection systems, in which Panasonic substantially contributed. |
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 Austria
Belgium
Denmark
France
Germany
The Netherlands
Sweden
Other countries
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| Austria |
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In 1989, Austria started the first industry lead collection schemes called UFB, based on a battery directive and an agreement with the municipalities and retailers. Today approximately 160g of batteries per inhabitant are collected which is about 54% of the batteries sold at the same time. The collection scheme is financed via an "environmental fee" charged per battery type to the consumer.
UFB website: www.batteriensammeln.at/sammeln.htm |
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| Belgium |
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In 1995, Belgium started the collection of all batteries with the system called "Bebat", established by battery industry in Belgium. Today approx. 200 g batteries per inhabitant are collected, which is about 58% of the batteries sold in the same period. The costs are financed via a "environmental fee" per battery, defined by the Ministry of Finance and charged to the consumer.
Bebat website: www.bebat.be |
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| Denmark |
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In 1999, the Danish Government started the collection of batteries containing lead, cadmium and mercury. Manufacturers and importers of batteries containing these metals must pay an "environmental levy" to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, which finances the collection of batteries.
EPA website: www.mst.dk |
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| France |
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In 2001, the French Government implemented a battery directive. Several systems are established in France. Battery Industry has established the "Fibat/Screlec" organisation.
In 2001, approximately 600 tonnes of batteries were collected. An increase is expected in 2002.
Screlec website: www.screlec.fr |
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| Germany |
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In 1998, the German collection scheme "GRS" started its work based on a battery directive. Today approximately 120g batteries per inhabitant are collected, which is about 33% of the batteries sold in the same period. Battery manufacturers and importers finance the costs.
GRS website: www.grs.de |
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| The Netherlands |
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In 1997, Battery Industry achieved an agreement with the Dutch Government for the establishment of a collection scheme called "Stibat". Today approximately 125g batteries per inhabitant are collected which is about 33% of the batteries sold in the same time. The system is financed via an "environmental fee" charged per battery type to the consumer.
Stibat website: www.stibat.nl |
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| Sweden |
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In 1998, the Swedish Government started the collection of batteries containing lead, cadmium and mercury. Manufacturers and importers of batteries containing these metals must pay an "environmental levy" to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, which finances the collection of batteries.
EPA website: www.internat.environ.se |
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| Other countries |
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| Portugal, Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary have established now legislations to collect all batteries. Battery Industry established Collection and Recycling Organizations (CROs) in these countries. |
