the batteries act

* Duty to register participation in the market: producers must submit notification of their participation in the market to the Federal Ministry for the Environment via the Ministry's website (state production register). Producers can now also report online the batteries and accumulators they are placing on the market.

* The placing on the market of portable batteries containing cadmium (Cd) is generally prohibited where the cadmium exceeds the legally specified limit of
0.002% by weight. Exceptions to this are portable batteries for use in emergency or alarm systems, including emergency lighting, medical equipment and cordless power tools.

* All batteries and accumulators are to bear the "crossed-out wheeled bin" symbol. Furthermore, if specified limits are exceeded, the chemical symbols Cd (cadmium), Pb (lead) and/or Hg (mercury) are to appear below the wheeled bin symbol.
This can mean that it is necessary to label ZnC batteries with both the wheeled bin symbol and the chemical symbol Pb.

* The Batteries Act stipulates binding collection and recycling rates and recycling efficiencies. From 2012, the collection rate will be 35%-a requirement we are already exceeding, as we are now already achieving 44%. We are also achieving the legally stipulated recycling rate of 100% for all identifiable systems.

* Raising public awareness is mandatory: educating consumers about the importance of recycling and the effects of batteries on humans and health is now obligatory for producers and importers. Through our publicity work, we reach all target groups and so assume this responsibility. Additionally, we ensure our collection containers bear all the necessary information and labels.

* It must be ensured that batteries can be readily removed from electrical and electronic equipment. There is a duty to provide indication of the battery type, battery system and instructions as to safe battery removal.

* Duty to inform customers: the Batteries Act stipulates that distributors inform their customers about the importance of recycling and the possible effects of batteries on the environment and health. They must do so by means of clearly visible and legible written or pictorial signs in the direct field of vision of the main customer flow.

* There is no longer any exception made for mail-order distributors, who are now also subject to the obligation to collect. In this case, the place of collection is the dispatch warehouse.