CIWM white paper calls for battery recycling reform in the UK

Following the publication of its “An EPR of Everything, Starting with Batteries” white paper, the United Kingdom-based Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has called for extended producer responsibility (EPR) for batteries and products containing batteries, as well as a targeted deposit return scheme (DRS).

The nonprofit, which serves as a professional body for the resource and waste management sector and represents more than 7,000 individuals in the U.K., Ireland and overseas, notes that the need for recycling programming is exacerbated by fires caused by batteries that commonly are thrown away.

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The organization reports that in 2023, there were more than 1,200 fires caused, or suspected to be caused, by batteries at U.K. waste and recycling facilities or in collection vehicles—a 71 percent increase from 2022. Citing research conducted by Eunomia in 2021, it says the cost of damage and lost time from battery fires is estimated to be in the region of 158 million pounds sterling ($204 million). CIWM adds that the vast majority of these fires were avoidable and resulted from batteries, in particular high-powered rechargeable batteries that should have been taken to a collection point rather than placed in a bin.

The white paper, based on an extensive research program report commissioned by CIWM and carried out by env23 Ltd., identifies a lack of clear and impactful consumer information; the dramatic increase in batteries in everyday items; and the failure of producer responsibility rules to keep pace with the changing chemistry and pervasiveness of battery technology as the three main reasons for their incorrect disposal.

Consumer research conducted for the report supports these findings, CIWM says, with 40 percent of those surveyed choosing the “wrong” option when asked how to dispose of an electric toothbrush. When it comes to batteries that can be removed, however, almost 70 percent of respondents say they are much more likely to take the items back to a retailer or collection point.

The report finds a strong level of public support for the use of deposits for items such as batteries, with 51 percent saying they would use the scheme on “all or most occasions,” and an additional 32 percent saying they would use it on “some occasions.” CIWM says implementation of the scheme would also be eased by the fact that the deposit value would only need to be modest as most items such as toothbrushes and vapes are relatively low-value items.

“The current targets for battery recycling are out of date, easily met and amount to little more than a tick-box exercise for the manufacturers and retailers of these products,” CIWM Director of Innovation and Technical Services Lee Marshall says. “Championing extended producer responsibility and promoting the safety of our colleagues are key commitments from CIWM. We call on the new government to rise to the problem of addressing hard-to-recycle products and to prioritize the launch of a battery DRS consultation as part of a shared commitment to developing a more circular economy.”

CIWM also has called on battery manufacturers and retailers to act immediately and work with the organization in promoting safer, simpler and more effective recycling. It also highlights the need for chemistry-specific recycling targets to be introduced as part of the process of updating existing producer responsibility legislation for batteries.

The white paper sets out recommendations to governments and legislators on how to address the widespread environmental, commercial and social issues associated with hard-to-recycle products and materials such as batteries, “for the betterment and protection of society in general and workers in the resource and waste management industry, in particular.”