Overview

In 2017, the Argentine Congress proposed a law for Environmental Management of Batteries, which establishes the minimum requirements for environmental protection concerning the management of batteries and their waste.

Extended Producer Responsibility

Among its principles, the law establishes Extended Producer Responsibility. This concept extends the scope of responsibilities for manufacturers beyond just the products’ manufacturing and marketing stages. It particularly emphasizes legal liability, involving both the physical and financial management of waste resulting from their products.

Therefore, all battery producers are obligated to set up, manage, and finance individual and/or collective self-management systems for batteries as well as label the batteries sold in the market with the recycling symbol established by law.

National Campaign

During the year following the enactment of this law, the pertinent Authority will execute a national campaign for the collection and management of battery waste. This campaign will be financed by the manufacturers, according to their percentage of market participation from the previous year.

Next Steps

The present law was sent to the Executive Branch for its signing. The regulation will be proposed within 90 days of approval.