 Lead-Acid Batteries
Regulatory History
In June, 1991, the ministry implemented the B.C. used Lead-acid Battery Collection Program, the only initiative of its type in Canada.
With the rapid growth in transportation, communication and electronic technologies, the lead-acid battery has become one of the most extensively used consumer products of this century. This increase in prominence has, in turn, led to public concern over potential impacts on the environment resulting in the improper management of end-of-life batteries.
Depending on the region and prevailing lead prices, it is estimated that in the past, up to 60% of all end-of-life batteries generated in B.C. were disposed of in landfills or other sites. This type of activity greatly increases the risk to both human and environmental health from toxic leachate, lead exposure and other uncontrolled impacts.
In June 1991, the B.C. Lead Acid Battery Collection Program was launched as an environmental protection initiative. The program provided financial transportation incentives (subsidies) to registered companies safely transporting scrap batteries to processing facilities in B.C.
On September 30, 2002, the ministry released an Industry Product Stewardship Business Plan, noting that the Battery Program was not consistent with product stewardship principles.
Currently, the lead-acid battery program is being managed by ministry staff.
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