The Regulation 125/2009 of the Solid and Hazardous Waste Law (N215 (I) / 2002) defines the basic parameters with regard to the distribution and management of batteries in the Cyprus Market. It is specifically stated in the Regulation that batteries must be collected separately from Municipal Solid Waste and directed to correct environmental treatment. The regulation is based on Directive 2006/66/EC.

 

The Producers which in the case of Cyprus the former are companies that import batteries to the Republic are obligated for the recovery and recycling of the batteries. Responsible for the treatment of batteries in the market place are both companies which import batteries for use in various devices and the companies which import devices with embedded batteries (rechargeable or disposable).

 

In addition to companies importing batteries in the market as a product, the same responsibilities lies with companies importing equipment with embedded batteries (rechargeable disposable).

 

Regarding this obligation the companies may either organize individual compliance Systems or organize and participate in Collective Compliance Systems.

 

Based on the practice of other European countries, a large number of companies in Cyprus have already contracted and created the non-profit organization A.F.I.S Cyprus Ltd in order to arrange the first Collective Compliance System for the management of households batteries in Cyprus.

 

The organization was founded at the initiative of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) as an umbrella organization and now its shareholders are companies – importers of batteries liable to the Republic. The organization has established a Board of Directors and as of the 1^st of November 2007 it collaborates with Green Dot (Cyprus) Public Co Ltd for organizing and managing its operations. For better organization the System has collaborated with the corresponding System in Greece (AFIS S.A.). Already with the help of AFIS Greece, the development of the System was completed and on the 7^th of April 2008 it has officially submitted the application for the System to the Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment for accreditation.

 

 

 The System has been accredited by the Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment, on the 1^st of April 2009, and it has become the first accredited Collective Compliance System for Batteries and Accumulators.

 

The System began to charge its members from the 1^st of May 2009. The battery collection process began on the 1^st of June 2009.