Last Updated:	2004-10-04
Report Contents
-   Summary -   Additional Marking Requirements -   Sanctions/Penalties -   Operational Details -   Laws & Regulations -   Contacts

Introduction

The German Ordinance on the Return and Disposal of Used Batteries and Accumulators implements the EU Directive 91/157 on Batteries and Accumulators Containing Certain Substances, O.J. L 78 (March 26, 1991), as amended by Directive 93/86 and Directive 98/101. It prohibits the placing on the market of certain batteries and imposes take-back obligations on producers, importers, retailers and users. The legislation also establishes marking requirements and appliance design requirements for batteries and accumulators containing the following hazardous substances:

• 25 mg of mercury per cell, except alkaline manganese batteries


• 0.025% of mercury by weight, for alkaline manganese batteries


• 0.005% of mercury by weight, if placed on the market after January 1, 1999


• 0.025% of cadmium by weight


• 0.4% of lead by weight

The Ordinance prohibits the placing on the market of batteries and accumulators containing more than 0.0005 % of mercury by weight for alkaline manganese batteries designed specifically for long-term use under extreme conditions; and 0.025% mercury by weight, for all other alkaline manganese batteries. Germany exceeds the EU Directive in this area. Button cells, and batteries composed of button cells, containing no more than 2% of mercury by weight are exempt. Additional exemptions are in place for permanently fixed batteries and certain medical, scientific and professional devices.

Batteries and accumulators are subject to markings indicating separate waste collection, heavy metal content and if appropriate, recycling marking requirements. Batteries must be easily removable from appliances when spent and accompanied by instructions on how to remove and dispose of correctly. Distributors and retailers of batteries and accumulators must accept, free of charge, the return of used batteries and accumulators of the same type as those sold. Producers and importers are required to collect batteries and accumulators from distributors and ensure that they are treated by an authorised establishment. Certain reporting requirements have to be met which currently exceed EU requirements. Joint collection schemes provide a mechanism to fulfill take-back and reporting obligations. The largest collection scheme is GRS - Batterien Stiftung Gemeinsames Rucknahmesystem.

Defined Restrictions:
The Ordinance prohibits the placing on the market of batteries and accumulators, including batteries and accumulators incorporated into appliances, containing more than 0.0005 % of mercury by weight.

Exemptions

The Ordinance prohibition does not apply to button cells and batteries composed of button cells with a maximum mercury content of 2% by weight.