The UVBs can be returned to the commercial locations where they were purchased, which are now referred to as selective collection points. These locations do not have to be licensed by the Ministry for the Environment, but do have to store the UVBs:

• In areas that are covered and waterproofed, far from clients and from sources of heat;
• In sealed containers, properly identified, which are made of a material that does not react with the components of UVBs (e.g. polypropylene). The UVBs should be stored with their liquid content in an upright position, with their openings closed and facing upwards.

Collection Centres are facilities where UVBs can be delivered free of charge by their owners/holders, where they are stored until they are transported for recycling. As such, they should have a storage area of at least 75 m2:

• Waterproofed surface;
• A cover that provides protection against rain and wind, but which is sufficiently ventilated and lit;
• Watertight containers, properly identified, of a composition that does not react with the components of UVBs (e.g. polypropylene). The UVBs should be stored with their liquid content in an upright position and with their openings closed and facing upwards;
• Fire fighting system;
• Possible spillage containment system;
• Fence preventing unrestricted access to its interior.

The functioning of the Collection Centres depends on a license being awarded by the Ministry for the Environment, pursuant to Decree-Law No. 73/2011. Once licensed, an operator receiving UVBs can apply to join the VALORCAR NETWORK and must comply with the set of regulations defined by VALORCAR for this activity.

In the transportation of UVBs there is a risk that the environment and human health will be adversely affected as a result of electrolyte leakage or spillage. As such, a set of best practices for prevention and action in the event of accidents must be in force during transportation, namely:

• The UVBs must be transported in containers that are shock resistant, waterproof and non-reactive to acid (e.g. polypropylene containers);
• The UVBs must be packed in a vertical position, with their openings closed and facing up;
• The means of transport should travel with the appropriate identification and signage for the transportation of corrosive or toxic substances, and must be fitted with equipment to contain any possible spills or runoffs;
• The driver must have training on how to act in the event of accidents, spills or fires and have personal safety equipment at his disposal, such as gloves, boots, vest and helmet.

Internacional Transportation

Where the UVBs are exported / imported, it is necessary to take into account that there are specific rules for the cross-border transportation of wastes - Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006, Decree-Law No. 45/2008 and Ordinance No. 242/2008.
This legislation establishes procedures and control systems according to the origin, destination and route of the shipment, the type of waste shipped (green or orange lists) and type of waste treatment to be applied to the waste at their destination (disposal/recovery). The Portuguese Environment Agency is the competent national authority for this purpose.

The overwhelming majority of the UVBs currently collected are lead-acid, which are mainly composed of lead (64%), sulphuric acid electrolyte (28%) and plastics (8%). Lead is a material that is very easy to recycle, and can be reused an indefinite number of times.

The UVB recycling process begins with its milling in a wet medium and the subsequent separation of the electrolyte, the plastic from the casing (polypropylene) and the lead compounds. Next:

• The electrolyte is neutralized using caustic soda and subsequently sent for treatment in a WWTP or converted into sodium sulphate, which can be used, for example, in the manufacture of detergents or glass;
• The plastic is then processed by extrusion and used in the manufacture of, for example, new battery casings, urban furniture, irrigation pipes or pots for plants;
• Lead compounds are fused with other materials (according to the composition of the scrap and the specifications of the final product in production) and purified, producing ingots or moulds. The best quality lead is used to make new batteries, the rest being used for hunting cartridges, radiation protection barriers, counterweights for lifts, ballasts for ships, etc.