Originally published March 30 2005
G&P Batteries opens the first battery recycling plant in the UK
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
G&P Batteries recently unveiled its new battery recycling plant, the first in the UK. Currently expected to recycle 630 tons of batteries every year, it could recycle as much as 1,800 tons every year if it ran on all shifts. This new plant was built in anticipation of the Battery Directive, which will require 25 percent of the UK's batteries to be recycled by 2012 and 45 percent to be recycled by 2016.
Previously G&P Batteries had been collecting batteries from local authorities and sending them abroad to be recycled, but with the opening of its new �250,000 plant will allow the recycling of batteries to remain in the UK.
The separation table at the new G & P battery recycling plant in West Bromwich G&P Batteries currently has around 100 local authorities collecting batteries and managing director Michael Green believes the addition of the new site could encourage more authorities to begin collections.
He said: "Many local authorities are put off when they find out that the batteries have to go abroad to be recycled, with a site in the UK available we hope that more authorities will want to work with us."
The original estimated capacity at the plant was believed to be 500 tons a year, but early indications show it is likely to be 630 tons each year.
Awareness In a message of support for the new plant, environment minister Elliott Morley said: "G&P Batteries is providing the UK with a new facility and I hope today's opening will prove significant in raising awareness of the desirability of collecting batteries for recycling and starting a debate about the UK's obligations under the forthcoming EU batteries directive."
Mr. Morley said the Battery Directive is expected to come into force by the middle of 2006.
Six years after its implementation, the UK will need to be recycling 25% of waste portable batteries and accumulators, with 45% being recycled four years after this.
- Caroline Jackson MEP Also speaking at the launch of the site was MEP Caroline Jackson, who is chair of the European Parliament's environment committee.
Dr Jackson praised G&P Batteries for its early efforts with regards to batteries, saying: "This is the first time in 20 years that I have come to a plant where somebody has anticipated a change in legislation."
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