29 April 2009

Green and Confused: Where can I recycle computer batteries?
Every year in the UK we use about 600 million household or portable batteries. While re-use and recycling rates for larger batteries from the automotive and other industries are relatively high, almost all the smaller types, along with their cocktail of toxic substances, such as mercury, nickel and cadmium, are chucked in the bin and end up in landfill.

Next month, after an EU directive, regulations are being brought in aimed at putting an end to the dumping of hazardous waste and stopping the leaching of dangerous materials into the soil and water courses. Manufacturers, along with retailers, will in future be responsible for paying for battery collection, treatment and recycling. The aim is to collect 25 per cent of portable batteries, including rechargeable computer units, by 2012, rising to 45 per cent by 2016. Clearly this is going to result in industry restructuring: watch out for rising battery - and computer - prices.

For the full news article and to be taken to the website, click here