With Other Countries of the European Union

COMPARISON WITH OTHER COUNTRIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION 

The comparison is made among E.U. countries on the following basis  

Primary and rechargeable batteries are still a matter under discussion, even at the political level, because of their content of heavy metals. The german producers have self-imposed the following targets  

Batteries free of toxic substances are not included in the collection system and enter the mimicipal waste stream. The first target above has been hit, while the second has been missed as only 30% of sold batteries have been returned. The experience gained with other recycling systems has shown that the recycling rate only increases if there is financial incentive or if the system is simple and cheap for the consumers. 

The battery producers are obliged to monitor and analyse the results obtained with the collecting operations. They must submit an atmual report to the authority for waste management. In practice, this regulation compels the producers to participate in the recycling process and introduces the producers responsibility . 

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