New battery collection drum sets standard
A cooperation between the packaging company CurTec and the German group Gemeinsames Rücknahmesystem Batterien (Common Return System for Batteries - GRS) has produced a collection drum for used batteries that meets all requirements.
No easy task: the European organisations that coordinate the collection of used batteries have not shied away from the challenge of meeting both the (transport) law requirements and the requirements imposed by national governments regarding collections. Although the collection of used batteries is obligatory in all EU Member States, to date there is no standard collection drum. In cooperation with CurTec, GRS has developed a cost-efficient drum that has the potential to become the standard.
The drum as a transport vessel
International law on the transport of dangerous substances stipulates extensive conditions for the transport of lithium batteries. This type of battery can usually be found in any mix of used batteries and therefore the overall mix of used batteries is subject to transport regulations. The transport regulations stipulate among other things that no excess pressure may build up in the transport drum. The used batteries’ freedom to move must be limited during transport and conductive parts must not come into contact with each other. In addition, the drum must be considered suitable for UN certification. The new drum complies with the transport requirements without any issues and carries the required UN certification.
The drum as a collection vessel
It is not only German law that sets extensive requirements for the collection of used batteries: EU battery guidelines require that all consumers are informed as to why used batteries must not be disposed of in household waste. The effects on the environment and human health must be explained at all sales / collection points. A successful method for this is the 6-colour sleeve showing all legally required information attached to the drum thereby making it suitable for collection.
The drum as a brand
The sleeve is not only there to comply with information obligations but also for image building: in Germany the image of the green collection drum is synonymous with the collection of used batteries. The success factor is the consistent corporate design that has so far been applied to all collection media. The new 60 litre drum was also designed by CurTec in the same familiar style and green colours so that the recognition of the GRS brand would be guaranteed as well as the attractiveness, handling and safety.
GRS Batterien: the common collection system for battery manufacturers
Since the coming into force of the battery decree in October 1998, Gemeinsames Rücknahmesystem Batterien, created by battery manufacturers, has coordinated the collection of used batteries in Germany. The new green collection drums from GRS are available at more than 170,000 battery sales points as well as at companies and public institutions. Today, almost 100% of all batteries collected are recycled. More than 1,000 battery manufacturers and importers are members of GRS and fund the activities of the non-profit organisation through their contributions.
Click here if you have a question about selecting a collection container. Read more about battery collection drums. Visit the GRS website