Association members recycled 21 800 tonnes of primary batteries (alkaline-manganese, zinc-carbon and zinc-air) in 2005 - nearly 9% more than the 20 400 tonnes processed in 2004. They recycled 10% more rechargeable batteries, reporting a rise in new-generation Ni-MH and Li-ion cells and a drop to 2300 tonnes in nickel-cadmium batteries.

Most of the portable batteries recycled by EBRA members came from France (7640 tonnes) and Germany (6465 tonnes), the two European markets that also use the most portable batteries. Last year’s totals for Switzerland (2580 tonnes), The Netherlands (1980 tonnes), Belgium (1615 tonnes) and Austria (1360 tonnes) were similar to those for 2004. However, recycling rates in these countries were high compared to the volume of batteries that entered the market.

Southern European countries and the UK are growing markets. Recycling figures for 2005 include 580 tonnes for Spain, 600 tonnes for Portugal and 310 tonnes for the UK. The pending EU battery directive is expected to lead to an increase in collection and recycling over the coming years. Increases should also occur among the EU’s new member states where recycling activity is relatively negligible.

All these figures are worth comparing to the amounts entering the market. In 2002, around 160 000 tonnes of portable batteries and accumulators were sold in the 15 EU member states. Factoring in the recent expansion of EU membership, it is reasonable to assume that 180 000 to 190 000 tonnes are reaching the market every year. The new directive sets portable battery and accumulator collection targets at 25% (compared to the average weight put on the market over the last three years) within six years and 45% within 10 years.

It is also worth pointing out that 43% of the used batteries and accumulators collected in 2005 were recycled in French plants, and a further 25% in German plants. The remainder was processed by recycling operations in Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden and Spain.