You and GRS Batterien: The success of a strong partnership. Annual Review 2014 Reporting in accordance with 15 (1) Batteriegesetz (Batteries Act)

Transcription

1 2 You and GRS Batterien: The success of a strong partnership. Annual Review 2014 Reporting in accordance with 15 (1) Batteriegesetz (Batteries Act)

2 2 Contents Auditor s certificate Auditor s certificate Foreword Our customers Our collection rate Our collection partners Our sorting operations Our recycling results Our recycling activities Our communications Our foundation Appendix Abbreviations, definitions and sources Der Unterzeichnende hat die vorliegende Erfolgskon trolle 2014 der Stiftung Gemeinsames Rücknahmesystem Batterien Heidenkampsweg 44, Hamburg auf Übereinstimmung mit 15 (1) des Batteriegesetzes vom 25. Juni 2009 (zuletzt geändert am 24. Februar 2012) geprüft. Da die Anforderungen des Batteriegesetzes vollumfänglich erfüllt sind und die Daten und Angaben ein verlässliches, glaubhaftes und wahrheitsgetreues Bild wiedergeben, wird die Erfolgskontrolle 2014 in der vorliegenden Fassung bestätigt. Bexbach, 25. Februar 2015 Dr. Willi Bethäuser Umweltgutachter * Johannesstraße Bexbach * Akkreditiert durch: DAU Deutsche Akkreditierungs- und Zulas- sungsgesellschaft für Umweltgutachter mbh (Zulassungsnummer: DE-V-0179).

3 Foreword 3 We can look back on an eventful and groundbreaking year For instance, we are pleased to have achieved a collection rate of over 45%, as detailed in the present annual review. This means we once again managed to reach and outperform the statutory requirement of 45% that will apply from Such a result allows us to look confidently to the future, and it also demonstrates that together with those who use our service, we are already in a very good position to achieve the required collection rate in two years time! Last year, we also introduced additional pioneering steps in Germany for the safe disposal of all portable and rechargeable batteries available on the market. For 12 months, until the end of June 2014, the feasibility of the new GRS safety concept for the separate collection of lithium and other high-energy batteries was tested in a pilot project with the central municipal associations. This involved the participation of public waste management organisations in ten selected cities and regions. The outcome of the pilot project shows that, despite some very complex requirements related to dangerous goods, our present safety concept is both practical and easy to implement. Furthermore, the safety standard of GRS Batterien has become established at a variety of collection points, where it has been seamlessly integrated into existing processes. Since the introduction of this standard, collected waste batteries have been sorted into three safety groups for delivery to handover points: common batteries, high-energy batteries and damaged high-energy batteries. Especially for damaged high-energy batteries, there are special safety and transport regulations. Current developments bear testimony to the significance of our safety standard for the future: we can see a continued sharp increase in the use of high-performance off-grid energy storage in all areas of life and business. Against this background, the need for a consistent nationwide roll-out of the GRS safety standard is all the more evident. Ensuring safe disposal and providing all users the promise of a full service for every type of battery in circulation, including damaged lithium cells weighing over 500 grams these were once again the top priorities for the non-profit organisation GRS Batterien in We would like to thank you for enabling us to deliver this promise. After all, it is your trust and willingness to cooperate that form the basis for our successful work! Best regards, Georgios Chryssos Managing Director Stiftung Gemeinsames Rücknahmesystem Batterien Hamburg, February 2015

4 4 Founded on cooperation: Our customers The number of users we serve continued to rise in At year end, more than 3,000 customers were registered members of the GRS Batterien system. Such a figure demonstrates that manufacturers and distributors continue to place a high level of trust in our professional approach and the quality of our work. The registration and publication of manufacturers and battery brands became mandatory with the introduction of the Batteries Act (BattG) in In particular, this serves to facilitate Proportion of battery types in circulation 74 % 25,285 t 26 % primary batteries 8,824 t secondary batteries 15 % 7 % 3 % 1 % identification of free riders, a term for manufacturers and importers who avoid their legal obligation to collect waste batteries. The Batteries Act also makes it possible to differentiate between portable and industrial batteries. The non-profit organisation GRS Batterien offers its customers a way to return both battery types. Portable batteries are divided again into two groups: primary and secondary batteries (accumulators). Of the 34,109 tonnes of portable batteries that were brought onto the market in 2014 by users of Stiftung GRS Batterien, the majority consist of non-rechargeable primary batteries (74.1%). With respect to rechargeable batteries (secondary batteries), the largest share was once again accounted for by lithium-ion systems (59.2% in the reporting year compared to 58.0% in 2013). For industrial batteries, the foundation offers its customers individual return concepts for complete compliance with their obligation to collect waste batteries, including both drop-off systems (where customers take batteries to a defined collection point) and pick-up systems (where the foundation arranges collection from the source). GRS Batterien also guarantees the transport and safe disposal of damaged lithium batteries weighing over 500 grams. We also ensure compliance with all legal requirements, especially dangerous goods and waste management legislation. Most industrial batteries are sold to a defined customer base, and they are mainly used by industrial consumers. However, there is increasing evidence that it would be incorrect to talk about exclusively commercial use for a range of applications. In particular, the use of stationary battery systems to store renewable energy in residential buildings and a growing interest in electric bicycles, for example, has led to a greater quantity of industrial batteries being used by private consumers a development that calls for more complex return options that are close to the end user. The foundation therefore offers manufacturers tailored solutions to meet their collection needs, ensuring the safe return of all industrial batteries, be it on an individual basis or collectively in the form of a solution for a certain segment of industry. GRS Batterien has been able to establish the latter in close collaboration with the Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV). Many well-known producers and distributors have since joined the system, allowing them to meet their requirements under the Batteries Act.

5 Meeting future obligations today: Our collection rate 5 Our rate of battery collection remained at a high level in But that s not all by working in close collaboration with our partners from retail, municipalities and the industrial sector, we once again succeeded in not only achieving but even exceeding the collection rate of 45% that will be required by law from 2016, recording a result of 45.3%. In total, 15,017 tonnes of waste portable batteries and accumulators were collected. With these figures in terms of both collection quantities and collection rate GRS Batterien retains its place as the numberone collection system for waste batteries in Europe in terms of efficiency. This success would not be possible without your backing and support, and for that reason we would like to sincerely thank all our partners once again for a positive cooperation in 2014! Of the 15,017 tonnes of waste portable batteries and accumulators collected in total, almost every other battery (47%) was collected through the retail sector, which alone provides consumers with more than 140,000 collection points (from a total of approximately 170,000). According to the statistics, each resident of the Federal Republic of Germany* disposes of 186 grams of waste batteries each year, which equates to about eight batteries or accumulators. However, these encouraging numbers and a high collection rate do not mean we can sit on our hands. On the contrary, we aim to further improve the regional figures for waste battery collection, which still vary greatly, by using effective communication measures. Activities carried out throughout 2014, such as a mobile education initiative with the character Inspector Energy, are designed to raise public aware- Collection rate % Collection target by law for 2016: 45% Collection target by law for 2012: 35 % ness of the need for battery collection and recycling. The goal here is to make collection successful over the long term, even in regions that have recorded lower rates to date. To this end, Stiftung GRS Batterien launched additional pilot projects in 2014 geared towards testing the effectiveness of the communication activities carried out in selected pilot regions. 38 % 37 % 37 % 38 % 41 % 42 % 44 % 44 % 45 % 44 % 45 % 45 % Year * Preliminary number of inhabitants in accordance with Federal Statistical Office, 31 December 2013: million

6 6 Fast processes for perfectly coordinated logistics: Our collection partners Our mission to ensure safe disposal forms the basis of the daily work of our foundation. At the same time, GRS Batterien views itself as a service provider where customer satisfaction is a top priority. Our goal is to give all our partners the best possible support with respect to their obligation to collect waste batteries while delivering the highest quality. Volume of collected batteries, by origin Municipalities and industrial companies, in particular, use an above-average number of waste batteries, accumulators and electrical equipment. A seamless process is therefore especially important in these areas. To enable our users to meet their obligations without any complications and to make the work of staff at handover points as simple as possible, our col- Also in 2014, the retail sector remains the most popular collection point for waste batteries and accumulators. lection containers present all the mandatory warning and additional information about collection. In order to comply with increased requirements concerning dangerous goods, Stiftung GRS Batteries has taken early action by developing the GRS safety standard. This makes it easier for all those concerned to adhere to the transport regulations defined in ADR. The foundation supplies collection points with yellow transport containers for the separate collection of high-energy batteries in addition to the familiar green collection containers for mixed batteries. Portable batteries are thus handed over to the collection system in three separate groups: 24.3 % municipalities Total: 15,017 t 28.7 % industry Common batteries High-energy batteries Damaged high-energy batteries Especially for damaged high-energy batteries, there are special safety and transport regulations. 47% retail Our straightforward online portal com allows users to place an order for collection or disposal, to review these orders and to monitor their progress. This ensures short response times and speedy order processing.

7 The basis of clean recycling: Our sorting operations 7 Stiftung GRS Batterien stands for high-quality recycling and the recovery of valuable raw materials. For this reason, waste batteries are sorted by size and electrochemical system before they can enter the recycling process. After all, there is a vast array of batteries and accumulators on the market, and a different recycling process exists for almost every battery system depending on the materials it contains. Primary batteries (e.g. alkaline manganese and zinccarbon batteries) represent the majority of all returned waste batteries. Most secondary batteries are lead and nickel-cadmium accumulators. Due to the growing demand among consumers for high-performance off-grid energy storage systems, the number of rechargeable lithium batteries returned in this segment is constantly rising. From mobile communications to a wide range of domestic appliances and cordless tools, people everywhere now use devices that require increasingly powerful and long-lasting battery and accumulator systems. Lithium systems are especially popular when it comes to providing maximum energy in the smallest possible space, but these entail special safety measures because of their unique properties and high energy density. There are also increased safety requirements for the collection, transport and sorting of lithium batteries as they are classified as dangerous goods. The pioneering GRS safety standard that was launched in 2014 complies with these greater demands. The introduction of this safety standard, developed in good time and in close collaboration with experts, Composition of batteries by mass of collected systems in % primary batteries 12,373 t 2,644 t 17.6 % secondary batteries once again proves that the foundation is a leader in its field and one of the more future-oriented battery collection systems in Europe. In order to continue providing our customers with the same high level of service and innovation in the future, we are working with our partners to continuously improve all aspects of the system. Only in this way is GRS Batterien able to offer its customers and collectors the highest level of quality, safety and confidence. 3.7 % Li-Ion 3.5 % NiMH 4.7% Pb 5.7 % NiCd

8 8 Proof of a successful system: Our recycling results In addition to a high-quality service and a seamless collection and sorting process, we aim to offer our partners a sustainable system for collecting and recycling batteries that is both economical and ecological. In order to recover valuable raw materials such as cobalt, nickel, zinc and iron for recycling, we work with state-of-the-art recovery technology that meets our high standards of quality and safety. This means we are making an active contribution to environmental protection while ensuring that we help to conserve natural resources. A primary goal is to improve our recycling rate year after year. To this end, we have been involved in various research and development projects for some time, and this has enabled us to achieve better results all the time. Proportion of batteries that could be recycled t* disposal 5,583 t* disposal 14,764 t recycling 1,318 t recycling * Not recycable battery mixes (Mass of batteries recycled by system and type group: see Appendix, p. 14)

9 Conserving raw materials for the future: Our recycling activities 9 Since the introduction of the German Batteries Act (BattG, Act concerning the placing on the market, collection and environmentally compatible waste management of batteries and accumulators), it has been illegal to bring to market any portable batteries containing more than 0.002% cadmium by mass. An exception here are batteries intended for use in emergency and alarm systems, such as emergency lighting, medical equipment and cordless power tools. This regulation has led to a reduction in the proportion of NiCd batteries among waste batteries for recycling in recent years, and this trend is set to continue for the same reason. The cadmium contained in NiCd batteries, a heavy metal, is distilled off in our recycling process and then used to produce new batteries. Both lithium primary batteries and rechargeable systems are recycled for their metal. This means it is possible to recover valuable materials such as nickel-containing iron and ferromanganese from primary batteries and cobalt, nickel and copper from accumulators. Typical composition of an alkaline manganese battery In blast furnaces or steelworks many metals from batteries can be recycled. This way valuable raw materials can be saved. 10 % water 6 % electrolyte 10 % 19 % 17 % 38 % other ferromanganese zinc manganese dioxide most numerous for many years in terms of waste. They do not contain mercury and are recycled in a blast furnace or electric steel furnace, for example. This guarantees the highest grade of recycling. The main materials of importance that remain at the end of the recycling process are pig iron, which contains manganese, and zinc concentrate. After the batteries are crushed in a controlled process, the steel content is separated from the manganese dioxide, which contains zinc. The pure steel that is obtained can then be sold. Zinc oxide is extracted from the manganese dioxide in a rotary kiln (also called waelz kiln ). This and further information about recycling processes and different electrochemical battery systems can be found in our brochure The world of batteries. This brochure and many other materials, including publications and videos about the collection, sorting and recycling of waste batteries, can be downloaded free of charge from our website ( Representing a share of 80%, alkaline-manganese and zinc-carbon battery systems have been the (Mass of batteries recycled: see Appendix, p. 14)

10 10 Our image as a strong partner: Our communications The German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act and Batteries Act present battery manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers with a variety of challenges. For this reason, Stiftung GRS Batteries and stiftung ear provide information as part of G2 events. Together with the central municipal associations (the German Association of Local Utilities, the Association of German Cities and the German County Association), the two foundations launched a pilot project in 2014 to review the effectiveness of new strategic measures in management and communication. The aim of a campaign called Aus Alt wird Neu (From old to new) a communication project carried out in selected regions is to increase the collection rate of waste electrical and electronic equipment and used batteries for the long term. nationwide campaign Batterien da steckt mehr drin (Batteries There s more power in them than you think!) and a mobile education initiative in nurseries and playgroups with the character Inspector Energy. Interested consumers can also find out more information by visiting com, where there is a video about the battery collection system and a downloadable brochure entitled The world of batteries. The foundation also keeps people in the industry up to date on a regular basis for example, with technical articles in selected publications. Our business partners also receive our periodic battery newsletter. To complement this on a regional level, the foundation continued its excellent cooperation with public waste management organisations and municipalities, which has produced tried-and-tested communications. Both partners act as key multipliers in their regions. To support their work, a toolkit has been developed with communication materials that municipalities can use to meet their individual needs. Further activities to improve the regional collection rates of waste batteries in 2014 were our

11 Taking responsibility for battery disposal: Our foundation 11 Stiftung GRS Batterien was established in 1998 by leading battery manufacturers and the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association (ZVEI). It manages the return, sorting and disposal of used batteries on behalf of its customers, while pursuing the broad goal of organising processes as effectively as possible and continually optimising them. Despite constantly increasing collection and recycling volumes, the foundation once again kept its prices stable in 2014, passing on the cost benefits gained to its users. The foundation places importance on providing a complete and transparent breakdown of all the costs incurred. Our many years of experience and high service standards make us a strong and professional partner for the return of batteries. GRS Batterien confirmed its position as Europe s most efficient collection system for used batteries in 2014 with more than 3,000 customers, 170,000 collection points and 15,017 tonnes of collected portable batteries. The management system of the foundation is certified according to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004.

12 12 Appendix Mass and quantity of batteries put on the market / 15 (1) No. 1 Batteries Act Mass Quantity t % Tsd. units % ZnC 1, ZnC 60, Primary batteries Round cells Button cells AIMn 22, Zn-air Li, primary AgO AIMn Zn-air Primary batteries Round cells Button cells AIMn 951, Zn-air 518 < 0.1 Li, primary 22, AgO 24, AIMn 73,114 4,7 Zn-air 158, Li, primary Li, primary 103, Sum 25, Sum 1,393, AIMn AIMn 1, Secondary batteries Round cells Button cells Li-Ion 5, NiMH 2, Pb NiCd Li-Ion 12 < 0.1 NiMH 11 < 0.1 Secondary batteries Round cells Button cells Li-Ion 52, NiMH 89, Pb 1, NiCd 1, Li-Ion 4, NiMH 2, NiCd < 1 < 0.1 NiCd 65 < 0.1 Sum 8, Sum 152, Total 34, Total 1,546,

13 Mass of batteries collected by type group and system / 15 (1) No. 2 and No. 4 Batteries Act 13 Type groups System Collection amount (t) 1 Primary batteries Secondary batteries ZnC/Zn-air 1,892 Round cells AIMn 2 10,226 Li 105 AgO Button cells 2 AIMn Zn-air Li 150 Li-Ion 556 Round cells NiMH 526 NiCd 856 AIMn 2 NiCd Button cells 2 Li-Ion NiMH Small lead batteries 706 Total 15,017 The collected quantity of 15,017 t corresponds to a collection rate of 45.3% according to the calculation model of the Batteries Act ( 2 [19] BattG). The collection rate is calculated on the basis of new batteries placed on the market over the last three years. This average value also includes quantities brought into circulation by producers who were no longer members of the joint collection system in the reporting year. A different collection rate of 46.6% emerges when only manufacturers affiliated to the scheme in the reporting year are considered. 1 Composition based on results of sorting. ² As far as sorting is not possible, these results include both primary and secondary batteries.

14 14 Mass of batteries recycled / 15 (1) No. 3, No. 5 and No. 6 Batteries Act Qualitative and quantitative results of recycling and disposal Battery system AlMn /ZnC Zn-air Battery mix Li /Li-Ion Button cells NiMH NiCd Small lead batteries t t t t t t t t Sum Products according to information from recycling facilities 7,642 3, ,318 Zinc and zinc compounds 1, ,407 Ferro-manganese 1, ,405 Steel alloys (containing iron/nickel) 1, ,960 Mercury and mercury compounds < 1 < 1 1 Lead and lead compounds Cadmium and cadmium compounds Other metals (aluminium, cobalt, copper, etc.) Carbon < Plastics for recycling < Slag for recycling 1, ,151 Other residue for recycling 1, ,357 Spent water/exhaust air ,172 Plastics for disposal Slag/other residue for disposal Mass of waste batteries sent abroad for recycling ,079 As in previous years, the figure for recycling is based on the information for material and other recycling. The calculation of battery recycling efficiencies is based solely on information for material recycling.

15 Abbreviations, definitions and sources 15 AgO: silver oxide AIMn: alkaline manganese Battery mix: batteries are collected as a mix under the spent catalogue number * They are only subdivided under the numbers * to , * or after being sorted. The disposal method is code D1, while the recycling method code is R4. BattG: Act concerning the placing on the market, collection and environmentally compatible waste management of batteries and accumulators Cd: cadmium ElektroG: Act concerning the placing on the market, collection and environmentally compatible waste management of electrical and electronic equipment Hg: mercury Li, primary: lithium, non-rechargeable lithium Li-Ion/Li-polymer: lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, rechargeable lithium system NiCd: nickel-cadmium NiMH: nickel-metal hydride Pb: lead Primary batteries: non-rechargeable batteries Secondary batteries: rechargeable batteries (accumulators) Zn-air: zinc-air Image sources: VARTA, Hanover/VALDI, Feurs (France)

16 Stiftung Gemeinsames Rücknahmesystem Batterien Heidenkampsweg Hamburg Telephone: + 49 (0) Fax: + 49 (0) info@grs-batterien.de