Based on the European Legislation 2013/56/EU.2, the WEEE Regulation 56/2016, which falls under the Waste Law of 2011 N. 185(I)/2011, was incorporated into Cyprus Law and which sets out the basic parameters governing the circulation and management of portable batteries and accumulators in the Cyprus market and territory. In particular, based on what is stated therein, the separate collection of portable batteries and accumulators from municipal solid waste and their environmentally sound management must be ensured.
The above obligation to recover and recycle portable batteries and accumulators is imposed on producers, which in the case of Cyprus are exclusively companies that import batteries into the Republic. In addition to companies that import batteries for use in various appliances, companies that import appliances with built-in batteries (rechargeable or disposable) are also obligated.
The ways in which companies (importers) can respond to their legal obligation can be either by setting up and operating an Individual Management System, or by setting up and participating in a Collective Management System, such as that of AFIS Cyprus Ltd.
In Cyprus, as in other European countries, part of the obligated companies have collaborated in order to establish a non-profit Collective Management System, which will be responsible for meeting the legal obligations of its contracted Members and achieving the quantitative targets set by the legislation.