Federal government wants recycling of batteries to become mandatory Bonn. The federal government intends to make the recycling of used batteries mandatory. The cabinet decided that manufacturers and retailers will have to take back used batteries free of charge. This deposit is waived if the customer returns a used starter battery at the same time. Dealers have to inform consumers about locations where to return or dispose of used batteries.
Customers have to return batteries.
Battery manufacturers and dealers will be asked to introduce a joint system for battery returns. With this decree, Bonn also wants to render two EU guidelines into national law. The guidelines advise the prohibition of batteries containing an extreme amount of mercury and the labelling of energy sources containing harmful substances. According to SPD leader Lafontaine, he has the full support of the party board in the tax debate with the coalition. After the board's meeting , Lafontaine said that there is a common agreement on the tax policy in the committee.