Collection of waste batteries in Portugal and Brazil

Selected papers from the 3rd Edition of the International Conference on Wastes: Solutions, Treatments and Opportunities

The legal aspects governing the disposal of used batteries were established in the nineties of the last century in Brazil and Portugal. In Brazil the law establishes the implementation of a reverse logistics system of this waste, similar to the system of Portugal, in which there is an extended producer responsibility. Portugal, subjected to the targets set by the European Union, has increased collection rates, with emphasis on the role of management entities. In Brazil, progress and the development of strategies to increase the collection rate have been observed, nevertheless, challenges associated with the increase of the coverage of the collection of batteries and also the public information about the disposal are relevant, as well as combating irregularities. Moreover, given the growing concern over the shortage of raw materials, proper management, including the collection and recycling of these wastes, can be seen as an important opportunity for both countries.