Old battery

If, when purchasing a new battery, we do not return the used one, we will pay an additional PLN 30, so-called. deposit fee.

If, when purchasing a new battery, we do not return the used one, we will pay an additional PLN 30, so-called. deposit fee.

Modern batteries guarantee uninterrupted operation for an average of about 2-3 years. After this time, you have to buy a new one. But what to do with the old battery, it is difficult to leave it under the neighboring trash - where is our concern for environmental protection?

Fine in the form of a fine

Anyone who does not return the used battery to the store must pay a deposit of PLN 30. He can only restore it if, within 30 days of purchase, he brings and returns the used battery to the seller. The deposit fee is the outlet's income, which, after taxes, covers the costs associated with the collection and storage of used batteries. According to the regulations, the retailer is obliged to accept the used battery, says Art. 20 of the Law on obligations of commodity producers in the field of waste management. – The purpose of this regulation is to ensure that lead-acid batteries that are harmful to the environment reach the point of sale, and from there through the sales network of the manufacturer or importer and specialized companies to used battery recyclers, says Krzysztof Paulus, President of the Board of the Association of Manufacturers and importers of accumulators and batteries in Poland.

A big problem

Every year, about 2 million batteries are sold to our market, of which 80% are domestic production and 20% are imported. This means that the same number of batteries are thrown into the trash every year – unfortunately, not all of them go to the two battery recycling plants operating in Poland – the Orzeł Biały SA plant and the Baterpol plant in Świętochłowice. After processing, new lead is created, polypropylene granules for battery cases, as well as a purified electrolyte - used to produce new batteries. Therefore, we can say with confidence that a worn-out battery is a sought-after secondary raw material.

The Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Accumulators and Accumulators in Poland has joined the promotion of new rules for handling used batteries by developing uniform information for all battery outlets in Poland (special signs). Information about the new principles of the Law has also been included in the warranty card for each new battery.

Office clerk

Unfortunately, local governments interpret the law on the purchase and transportation of used batteries in different ways. They sometimes require small shops that sell about 100 batteries a year to invest in an expensive plastic container to transport them. While in the European Union transportation and storage on wooden pallets is allowed. The work of some local governments contributes to the increase in the number of battery outlets. Squaring the circle - when entering the European Union, we try to take care of the environment, while at the same time creating obstacles - reinterpreting the words of the act. – The association sent a letter to all local governments in Poland regarding the interpretation of the current regulations regarding the handling of used batteries. This should eliminate the bureaucratic aspirations of some local governments in the aforementioned area, representatives of the Polish Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Accumulators and Accumulators hope.

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