Background
In Northern Ireland, waste is a devolved issue but due to industry preference and the nature of UK-wide value chains, the producer responsibility scheme for batteries is managed on a UK-wide basis.
For further information and guidance on placing batteries on the market and the treatment of waste batteries please see Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations
Producer Responsibility policy updates
DAERA is working with Defra, Scottish Government and Welsh Government to reform the two main UK wide pieces of environmental legislation that relate specifically to batteries:
The Batteries and Accumulators (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/2164). These are reserved matters mainly concerning placing on the market requirements.
The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/890). These are devolved matters detailing end-of-life provisions.
UK wide proposals are being developed and will be subject to public consultation in 2024.
EU Batteries Regulation
The EU Batteries Regulation 2023/1542 has been in force since 18 February 2024. Northern Ireland will implement this EU regulation as it is within the scope of the Windsor Framework. DAERA is currently assessing the necessary requirements and supporting implementing legislation for Northern Ireland and is working closely with Defra (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). DAERA will engage with stakeholders through this process.
The EU Batteries Regulation will gradually introduce new measures over the next 10+ years which strengthen sustainability of batteries and waste batteries, protect the environment and human health and increase circularity.
For further information on the EU Batteries Regulation please see The EU Batteries Regulation.
Please contact regdivergenceGBNI@defra.gov.uk and copy EPRteam@daera-ni.gov.uk if you have any queries.