Abstract
The objective of this study was to acquire the fundamental knowledge needed to establish environmentally friendly systems for the collection and recycling of small batteries in Japan. We determined the recovery rate of small batteries, investigated the collection classifications made by local governments for used small batteries, conducted a consumer questionnaire and also a survey on small batteries removed from small home electric appliances.
The collection rate for small batteries in Japan was found to be approximately 26%, with the rate for rechargeable batteries being especially low. Room for improvement was noted after we did a comparison with collection rates in European countries. Also, the collection classification systems being used by local governments is not unified between offices : types of batteries and required information on local government websites is considered to be insufficient. An investigation into what happens to small batteries that are removed from small home electric appliances revealed that most of the appliances using rechargeable batteries are disposed of by consumers with the batteries still inside. Results of the questionnaires reveal that there is a shortage of consumer information and awareness, as well as an overall feeling of burden among consumers. We determine that further discussions will be required to solve the problem of disposal and recycling of small, used batteries.
