A distributor is classed as someone selling batteries on a professional basis to an end-user. In the UK these are usually retailers but it also includes distance sellers (e.g. internet), commercial distributors and wholesalers supplying users direct. Distributors of batteries (i.e. replacement batteries) to end-users must offer to take-back waste batteries. These should be free of charge to the public. There should be no requirement on the public to make a purchase from the distributor in order to utilise the battery collection facility. In addition, distributors may be required to advise end-users of appropriate end of life management options for portable batteries and accumulators.

Exemptions are proposed for small distributors who meet both of the following criterions:

• sell 32kg or less of replacement batteries per year or
• sell batteries only when incorporated into appliances

Distributors who only sell batteries incorporated into appliances will be exempt.

Compliance schemes will make arrangements with distributors to pick up and recycle their collected batteries. The collection and recycling will be funded by producers via their schemes and as such will be free of charge to distributors.

Small distributors under the threshold will not be required to take back waste batteries, but may still choose to offer this service. In this case they may have to do so at their own cost unless an agreement can be reached with a scheme.

To find out more join our Batteries Producer Compliance Scheme today »