Garages and other retail outlets that sell automotive batteries are now required to take back waste units free of charge, even where the person depositing them is not purchasing a new one.

 
This is all part of a general battery-recycling programme rolling out across the EU in response the Batteries Directive. In Ireland it includes 50,000 waste portable battery drop-off boxes being delivered to approximately 10,000 retail outlets throughout the country. Under the new regulations, any retail outlet that sells batteries (all batteries, automotive and other) will be obliged to comply and take back similar batteries to those they stock or supply. Consumers can also bring waste batteries to Local Authority Civic Amenity recycling centres around the country.
 
After initial sorting in Ireland, waste batteries collected will be transported to mainland Europe, where they will undergo final treatment and safe recycling at dedicated battery recycling plants. By recycling and preventing batteries from going to landfill, consumers will protect both the environment and human health from potentially hazardous chemicals.
 
The EPA has the lead role in organising the regulations. WEEE Ireland (short for waste electrical and electronic equipment) is authorised to arrange compliance for Producers – mainly Irish importers of batteries - who have registration, reporting and financing obligations under the legislation
 
For further information, including details of your local recycling centre, log on to www.weeeireland.ie.