Batteries and accumulators

Directive 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators seeks to improve the environmental performance of batteries and accumulators and of the activities of all economic operators involved in the life-cycle of these products.⁶⁸ It does so primarily by prohibiting the placing on the market of batteries and accumulators containing hazardous substances and by laying down rules for the collection, treatment, recycling, and disposal of waste batteries and

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[2006] OJ L 266/1.

accumulators. Generally collection rates are very high for automotive and industrial batteries, whereas rates for portable batteries vary significantly, both between different types of such batteries and between Member States.^[1]

PCB/PCT

Directive 96/59/EC on the disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCB/PCT) requires the Member States to ensure that used PCBs are disposed of and PCBs and equipment containing PCBs are decontaminated or disposed of as soon as possible.^[2]

• [1] Ex post evaluation of certain waste stream Directives (n 58) 10.
• [2] [1996] OJ L 243/31. 7i [2006] OJ L 102/15.