ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 63 RS Local Dublin Glenview Industrial Estate, Herberton Road, Rialto, Dublin 12 Tel : (01) 4153100 or email: enquiries.ie@rs.rsgroup.com ie.rs-online.com GET THE JOB DONE Helping electrical engineers and industrial electricians with products and solutions I nLdE Du sVt Ar yNNC eE w s What consumers need to know about safe battery use and recycling With the introduction of the European Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, WEEE Ireland is strengthening efforts to promote safe use, reuse, and recycling of batteries nationwide. The regulation places clear obligations on producers and distributors, ensuring consumers can return waste batteries free of charge at accessible collection points. Extending battery life remains a key priority. WEEE Ireland advises consumers to follow manufacturer guidelines, avoid overcharging, and store batteries properly to reduce waste. Choosing rechargeable options and using trade-in or refurbishment schemes, such as those highlighted in its “Close the E-Loop” campaign—can further extend product lifespans. The organisation also reiterates a critical message: batteries should never be disposed of in household bins. Improper disposal, particularly of lithium batteries, can cause fires in waste systems and release hazardous substances like lead and cadmium into the environment. Under EU rules, retailers must accept used batteries regardless of type or brand, making safe disposal straightforward. A nationwide network of collection points, including the familiar Blue Battery Box in retail locations and civic amenity sites, ensures convenient recycling access. Consumers are also encouraged to recognise battery labels, such as the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol, which indicates separate disposal is required. Recycling batteries not only prevents environmental damage but also enables the recovery of valuable materials like lithium and cobalt, reducing reliance on raw material extraction and supporting the circular economy. With recycling costs already included in the purchase price, WEEE Ireland emphasises that responsible battery disposal is both free and essential for environmental protection.
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