The Netherlands collected 87,000 kilograms (87 tonnes) of mainly lithium-ion and Nickel Metal Hydride electric bicycle batteries last year.
The collection, recycling, treatment and disposal of batteries and accumulators are ruled at European level by Directive 2006/66/EC, also known as the battery directive.
The Directive applies to all batteries including those used in electric bicycles, which can contain metals such as zinc, copper, manganese, lithium and nickel.
These are classified as “industrial batteries” and cannot be incinerated or disposed of in landfills.
The collection of 87 tonness of e-bike batteries was reported by Stibat; a for collecting and recycling discarded batteries.
Consumers can dispose used and faulty e-bike batteries at retailers, which operate as a collecting network launched by Dutch non-profit organisation Stibat in 2014.
Annually more than 200,000 new electric bikes appear on Dutch roads.
Canada and North America no slow coach either
So far this year more than 5.7 million pounds (2.6 million kilograms) of batteries have beenkept out of US and Canadian landfills and recycled, reports Call2Recycle, Inc.,
The announcement signals battery collections are on target to grow for the 19th consecutive year.
Lead-acid batteries are the most recycled product in North America, with more than 99% returned by consumers.
