ERP (European Recycling Platform) UK has been chosen by the Environment Agency as a battery compliance scheme. ERP will collect, treat and recycle batteries on behalf of producers.
ERP warned some companies may not even be aware they are classed as battery producers. Under the terms of the Batteries Directive, the definition includes retailers importing batteries to sell under their own brand or importing products containing batteries such as toys, watches, power tools and sat navs.
Scott Butler, ERP UK's general manager said: "It's great news that we've been chosen as a scheme. It's going to be a busy couple of weeks for us. We've had enquiries from all kinds of producers from the manufacturers of sat navs to lighting control systems and pedometers to cordless power tools.
"We're looking ahead to the challenge of building a national battery collection network, scaled to deliver available economic and environmental advantages. Our members will benefit as our collections networks become more established and efficient."
Battery producers have until 15 October 2009 to sign up with one of the new battery compliance schemes, if they import more than a tonne of batteries per year into the UK. A tonne is the equivalent of around 30 packs of 4 AA alkaline batteries per day.
ERP UK claims it is likely to become the UK's largest battery compliance scheme as it has been chosen by Duracell to run its national waste battery collections.