Battery retailers and distributors

Portable batteries

If you sell or supply at least 32 kilograms of portable batteries a year, you must take back waste batteries from customers free of charge. This applies if you run a shop, a chain or sell batteries through distance selling.

You must provide:

• a free collection point for all kinds of portable batteries, not only the types you sell
• information to customers about collection, for example a poster in your shop

You can find information about recycling obligations on the RecycleNow Partners website. This includes templates for materials you can display for customers. You'll  need to register but there's no fee.

Sending batteries to be recycled

It's not essential, but you can ask a battery compliance scheme to collect your batteries free of charge. Search online to join one or call the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to get advice on joining a scheme.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency
01786 457700

To transport batteries yourself, for example to a recycling plant, you need a licence. You must also follow the law on hazardous (special) waste.

Find out more about the law on hazardous waste on the SEPA website.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) officers can visit your premises to make sure you're complying with the law.

Smaller retailers

If you sell fewer than 32 kg of portable batteries a year, you do not have to run a take-back scheme. If you decide to take waste batteries back you may have to:

• arrange collection and transport for recycling yourself
• follow the law on special waste

Speak to a compliance scheme operator first – they may offer a collection.