THE GOVERNMENT HAS said that it has exceeded the EU target for the recycling of portable batteries sold and used in Ireland between 2009 and 2011.

Over 29 per cent of the portable batteries sold in Ireland between 2009 and 2011 were recycled, the Environment Minister Phil Hogan said yesterday.

The recycling programme was implemented by WEEE Ireland, the compliance scheme for electrical and battery recycling, and ERP Ireland, the body responsible for compliance with the EU directive that 25 per cent of batteries sold are recycled by 2012.

The target rises to 45 per cent by 2016 and it is now expected that all batteries – with some exemptions – be recycled. Hogan said that the amount of batteries collected between 2009 and 2011 came to some 613 tonnes.

“I wish to thank everyone involved in helping Ireland exceed this interim EU target.  In particular, I wish to thank the public for their support and especially those who assisted the campaign in schools around the country,” Hogan said.

“I would encourage the public to continue to recycle their batteries and I believe that this excellent result leaves Ireland well placed to meet our future battery recycling targets.”

Speaking for ERP, chief executive Martin Tobin said that the aim in the coming year would be to continue to divert as many batteries as possible away from landfills and encourage the public to recycle their used batteries.

“This can be best achieved by encouraging the public to form battery recycling habits that mirror how they bring bottles to the bottle bank or bring reusable shopping bags to the grocery store, all in a bid to drive a sustainable culture and protect the environment.”

Leo Donovan, the CEO of WEEE, reminded the public that it was “free and easy” to recycle waste batteries at your local recycling centre, free collection events, and the nearest WEEE registered retail outlet.

“Let’s make sure that no more harmful batteries are unnecessarily sent to landfill this year,” he added.

Poll: Do you recycle your used batteries?