Consumers will be able to recycle their old batteries at mandatory recycling points in shops from today (February 1st).

The battery recycling scheme, which has proved controversial with manufacturers, will help the UK government meet EU targets to recycle ten per cent of all batteries by the end of this year.

Currently, 97 per cent of batteries are ending up in UK landfill. The aim is to recycle 46 per cent of batteries by 2016.

Environment secretary Hilary Benn said: "This new legislation will make it easier for consumers to do the right thing whilst ensuring retailers fulfil their part."

Any distributors who supply more than 32kg of portable batteries a year have to provide a free take-back service for waste portable batteries and make sure customers are aware of the service.

However, battery makers are concerned that the costs of collecting and disposing the batteries will be passed onto consumers.

Sourced from The Low Carbon Economy, Feb 2010