Waste

This page provides links to the full text of key pieces of Waste environmental legislation that may affect your business in Northern Ireland. The websites hosting the legislation may list amendments separately.

If you are setting up an environmental management system (EMS) for your business, you can use this list to start compiling your legal register. Your legal adviser or environmental consultant will be able to tell you if other environmental legislation applies to your specific business.

Environmental management systems and environmental reports

Animal By-Products (Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 SR 332 Enforces EU Animal By-Products Regulation 106/2009. Sets out rules for dealing with animal by-products not intended for human consumption, including disposal and use, placing on the market and prohibitions on feeding. Places requirements on operators.

Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021/338 Amend the SUCBC Regulations (NI) 2013, to reflect the new minimum price at which sellers are required to charge customers for each carrier bag supplied new. Makes amendments to, and removal of certain existing exemptions and amends the record keeping requirements.

Single Use Carrier Bags Charge Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 SR 4 Requires that retailers charge customers at least 5 pence for every new single use carrier bag and pay the net proceeds of the levy to the Department of the Environment.

Carrier Bags Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 The 2014 Act amends the 2013 Single Use Carrier Bags Charge Regulations to apply charges to a wider variety of carrier bags - specifically the cheaper versions of reusable bags. These bags are defined by reference to their price.

Controlled Waste (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 SR 404 Amends 2002/248 to include animal by-products.

Controlled Waste (Duty of Care) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 SR 271 Creates a duty of care for controlled waste that requires all producers, carriers and managers of waste to keep records and use waste transfer notes.

Controlled Waste (Duty of Care) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 SR 277 Amends 2002/271 to change the codes used on waste transfer notes to the European Waste Catalogue codes.

Controlled Waste (Registration of Carriers and Seizure of Vehicles) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 SR 362 Detail the system for registering carriers of controlled waste. The SR 1999/362 regulations no longer deal with the seizure of property; these provisions can be found in the Controlled Waste (Seizure of Property) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 SR 260 (see below).

Controlled Waste and Duty of Care Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 SR 255 Revoke and replace the Controlled Waste Regulations (NI) 2002. These regulations clarify the classification of wastes as ‘household’, ‘commercial’, or ‘industrial’; which of these wastes incur a charge for collection and disposal. They also introduce more stringent controls under the waste Duty of Care system.

Controlled Waste Duty of Care (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 SR 117 Amend the Controlled Waste and Duty of Care Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 in that they provide clarification in relation to the classification of a number of items contained in the tables to the schedule, including the sources of household, industrial and commercial waste and the nature of waste and activities producing waste.

Controlled Waste (Seizure of Property) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 SR 260 Prescribe the procedures to be followed by the Department of the Environment in seizing property used, or about to be used, in illegal waste activity.

End of Life Vehicles Regulations 2003 SI 2635 Requires vehicle producers to set up collection, treatment and disposal systems to make sure that components in vehicles can be recovered, reused and recycled at the end of their life.

End-of-Life Vehicles (Amendment) Regulations 2010 SI 1094 Amends 2003/2635 by changing the basis on which exemptions from the restrictions on use of heavy metals in vehicle components are identified. Also provides powers of entry and inspection for the enforcement authorities.

End-of-Life Vehicles (Producer Responsibility) Regulations 2005 SI 263 Requires vehicle producers to register and declare responsibility for vehicles they place on the market and apply for approval of their system of collecting vehicles.

End-of-Life Vehicles (Producer Responsibility) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 SI 1095 Amends 2005/263 by making changes to requirements for reporting details of reuse, recycling and recovery rates.

Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 SI 3153 (NI 7) (including amendments up to 2004) Covers several environmental issues, including pollution prevention control, assessment and management of air quality, and designation of areas of special scientific interest (ASSIs).

Environmental Better Regulation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 The Act is a key element of the Department’s Regulatory Transformation Programme, the aim of which is to provide a more streamlined and effective regulatory system for businesses and regulators. Key provisions include:- The creation of an integrated environmental permitting regime. Rationalising powers of entry and associated powers (inspection and investigation). Amendments to the Clean Air (NI) Order 1981. Amendments to the Environment (NI) Order 2002. Amendments to the Water and Sewage Services (NI) Order 2006.

Environmental Protection (Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and other Dangerous Substances) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2000 SR 232 Covers the disposal of PCBs and similar dangerous substances, and outlines measures for identification, registration and disposal.

EU Regulation 2017/1262/EU: Amending Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 as regards the use of manure of farmed animals as a fuel in combustion plants This regulation amends the commission regulation 142/2011 updating the requirements to allow the use of farmed animals of species other than poultry to be used as fuel in combustion plants with a total rated thermal output not exceeding 50MW.

EU Regulations 592/2014 amending EU142/2011 as regards the use of animal by-products and derived products as a fuel in combustion plants Amends EU 142/2011, implementing EC 1069/2009 laying down health rules regarding animal by-products and products not intended for human consumption, as regards the use of animal by-products and derived products as a fuel in combustion plants.

EU Regulation laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption 1069/2009 Sets the framework for legal controls on animal by-products.

EU Regulation on Shipments of Waste 1013/2006 Establishes procedures and control regimes for shipping waste depending on its origin, destination and route, and the type of waste and treatment that will be applied.

Food Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 SR14 Provide for the separate collection of food waste. They place a duty on food businesses producing in excess of 5kg of food waste per week to present food waste for separate collection and place a duty on businesses to ensure food waste is not deposited in a lateral drain or sewer. Place a duty on those who transport food waste to collect and transport such waste separately from other waste.

Hazardous Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 SR 300 Details the regime for controlling and tracking the movement of hazardous waste.

Hazardous Waste (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 SR 461 Amends 2005/300 in terms of offences and penalties.

Hazardous Waste (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 SR 238 Amend a number of pieces of legislation to bring into effect the changes introduced by Commission Decision 2014/955/EU amending Decision 2000/532/EC on the list of waste. CD 2000/532/EC is directly binding as regards determination of waste that is to be considered as hazardous waste and the changes introduced by way of the amending decision come into effect on 1 June 2015. Revokes the List of Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005.

Hazardous Waste (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 SR 288 Amend a number of pieces of Northern Ireland legislation to take account of new requirements within EU legislation. They bring into effect the changes introduced by Commission Decision 2014/955/EU amending Decision 2000/532/EC (the Decision) on the list of waste pursuant to Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament of the Council. Commission Decision 2000/532/EC is directly binding as regards determination of waste that is to be considered as hazardous waste. Revokes the List of Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005.

Landfill Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 SR 496 Introduces permits to create and operate a landfill, and sets out which categories of waste can be accepted at each class of landfill site. Also sets out a pollution control regime.

Landfill (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 SR 297 Amends 2003/496 with details of what wastes can and cannot be accepted at particular landfill sites.

Landfill (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 SR 179 Amends 2003/496 by changing duties of landfill operators, making it an offence to accept agricultural, mine or quarry waste, amends procedures for closing a landfill and requirements for hazardous waste landfill applications.

Landfill (Amendment No 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 SR 258 Amends 2003/496 to update the criteria for granular and monoloithis waste to be accepted for landfill, plus monitoring and testing requirements.

Landfill (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 SR 101 Amends 2003/496 to ensure that they apply to all landfill sites in Northern Ireland which closed after 16 July 2001.

Landfill (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 SR 161 Implements Directive 2011/97/EU which specifies criteria for the storage of metallic mercury waste. Amends the Landfill Regulations (NI) 2003 to allow the temporary storage of metallic mercury as a waste for more than 12 months. Amends the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations (NI) 2000 to bring sites used for temporary storage of metallic mercury within the scope of those Regulations.

Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2015 Sets out requirements for packaging which apply to packaging producers, sellers and distributors, including enforcement, offences and penalties. Implements the packaging and packaging waste directive, including the requirement for member states to reduce consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags. Revokes the 2003 Regulations as amended.

The Packaging Waste (Data Reporting) (No. 2) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (NISR 2024/80) These Regulations amend NISR 2023/25. Among other changes, they revise the definition of “household packaging” and clarify the division of responsibilities between brand owners, packers/fillers, importers and distributors. They also revise the definition of “scheme article” in relation to the Scottish Deposit and return Scheme, to require the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs to publish a list of large producers.

The Packaging Waste (Data Reporting) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 The Regulations require producers to collect and report data on the amount and type of packaging that they place on the market from March 2023 (or from January, if they have this data).

Planning (Management of Waste from Extractive Industries) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 SR 64 Implements the Mining Waste Directive 2006/21/EC in Northern Ireland through the planning system. It requires planning permission for extractive waste sites and waste facilities and additional requirements for category A (high risk) waste facilities.

Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 SR 1049 (NI 19)

Regulates waste on land, abandoned vehicles, noise nuisance, noise abatement zones, sulphur content of oil fuel used in furnaces and engines, cable burning, and pollution of the atmosphere and water. Other aspects have been revoked.

Pollution Prevention Control (Industrial Emissions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 SR 160

Transpose Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control (Recast)).The Regulations revoke 18 sets of existing regulations relating to industrial emissions and consolidate all the provisions of the Industrial Emissions Directive in to a single set of regulations. They control the operation of any installation or mobile plant carry out any of the activities listed in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Regulations.

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 SI 1762 (Northern Ireland 16) (including amendments up to 2004)

Imposes obligations on producers to recover and recycle prescribed products and materials, and related obligations to meet recovery and recycling targets when such products become waste.

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 SR 198

Requires producers to recover and recycle packaging waste to achieve EU targets.

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 SR 373

Amends 2007/198 by revising the requirements for accrediting an exporter of packaging waste.

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 SR 77

Amends 2007/198 to increase recovery and recycling targets.

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 SR 396

Amends 2007/198, establishing new waste recovery and recycling targets for 2011 and 2012, strengthening reporting provisions and making other technical changes.

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 SR 437

Amends schedule 2 of 2007/198, to include new waste packaging recovery and recycling targets for the years 2012 to 2017 and a new set of targets for waste glass packaging for recycling by re-melt for the years 2013-2017.

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 SR 262

Set new recovery and recycling targets for packaging waste for a five year period from 2013 to 2017 (inclusive).

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging waste) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 SR 241

Amend Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007/198. Make producer responsibility more efficient by reducing the regulatory burden on businesses.

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2016 SR 79

Amend Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007/198. Reduce regulatory burdens by removing the requirement to provide operational plans and enabling producers to delegate the signing of reporting and monitoring requirements to the most appropriate person in the company.

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste)(Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 SR3

Amend the 2007 Regulations so as to set the recycling targets for glass and plastic together with the recycling by re-melt glass targets for years 2016,2017,2018,2019 and 2020. They revoke the 2014 Regulations.

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste)(Amendment No2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017/230

Amend the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007. They establish new waste packaging recovery and recycling targets for paper, aluminium, steel and wood for years 2018 to 2020. The amendments also set recycling targets for all packaging materials for years 2018 to 2020.

The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (legislation.gov.uk)

Amend the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (NI) 2007. These Regulations set an overall recycling target as well as material-specific recycling targets for 2023 on obligated producers in Northern Ireland in relation to glass, plastic, aluminium, steel, paper/board and wood.

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020/345

Amend the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007.

Replace the EU recovery and recycling targets, in accordance with Directive (EU) 2018/852, with a recycling obligation on producers. Also establish new material specific recycling targets on obligated producers for paper/board, plastic, glass, aluminium, steel and wood as well as the specific re-melt target for glass. The recycling allocation for small producers for 2018 to 2020 is changed for 2021 and 2022.

Transfrontier Shipment of Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Regulations 2008 SI 3087

Establishes a system of authorisation and approval for shipping radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel between member states and into and out of the EU.

Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007 SI 1711

Sets out rules for shipping waste, including within the European Community and importing and exporting to and from countries outside the EC.

Transfrontier Shipment of Waste (Amendment) Regulations 2008 SI 9

Amends 2007/1711 by introducing new penalties for failing to provide proper documentation when exporting waste for recovery.

Transfrontier Shipment of Waste (Amendment) Regulations 2014 SI 861

Amends the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007 to redefine the competent authorities and transfer some of the responsibilities from the Secretary of State to the Environment Agency, SEPA, DOENI; and Environment Agency to Natural Resources Wales. Provide a power for HMRC to disclose information to competant authorities for enforcement purposes; allow Border Force to stop and detain waste for up to five working days in prescribed circumstances. Make changes to the fees for notification of waste shipments starting or finishing in Northern Ireland.

Waste (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 SI 611

Amends 1997/2778, including penalties, costs, forfeiture of vehicles, power to search and seize vehicles, registration requirements, enforcement powers and site waste management plans.

Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 SI 890

Establishes a legal framework and schemes for collecting, treating and recycling portable, industrial and vehicle batteries. Applies to all types of batteries except when used for military and space equipment.

Waste Batteries and Accumulators (Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009

Sets charges for small producers, battery compliance schemes, battery treatment operators and battery exporters to pay to the Department of the Environment under the Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009.

Waste Batteries and Accumulators (Treatment and Disposal) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009

Sets out exemptions from waste management licensing for storing waste batteries. Amends Landfill Regulations (NI) 2003 and Pollution Prevention and Control (Regulations)(NI) 2003/46 to ban automotive and industrial batteries from landfill or incineration.

The Waste Batteries and Accumulators (Amendment) Regulations 2015

Make amendments to the 2009 regulations; the removal of the requirement to provide operational plans, removal of the requirement to submit independent audit reports, and allows an “approved person” to delegate the responsibility for signing off reports.

Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 SI 2778 (NI 19) (including updates)

Sets out the waste management regime covering waste carrier registration and identifying and remedying contaminated land.

Waste and Contaminated Land (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

Gives the DOE and district councils similar investigative, enforcement and clean up powers to deal with illegally dumped waste. Changes the legislative framework for management of land that has been contaminated by pollution.

The Waste and Contaminated Land (Amendment) (2011 Act) (Commencement No.3) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (legislation.gov.uk)

Brings into operation sections 4 (powers to require removal of waste unlawfully deposited) and 5 (councils to enforce)  of the Waste and Contaminated Land (Amendment) Act (NI) 2011 on 2 January 2023

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 SI 3113

Aim to combat the rapid growth of waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) and its impact on the environment due to its hazardous content. Measures are established for its treatment, reuse, recovery and recycling. From 1 January 2019, the scope of EEE covered by the Regulations changes, incorporating a wider range of products.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 SR 202

Set the fees and charges for the registration and monitoring of Producer Compliance Schemes, Small Producers and Treatment or Export Facility Operators to be paid to the Department of the Environment under the WEEE Regulations 2013. They align fees and charges with those in England, Scotland and Wales. These 2014 regulations revoke 2006 WEEE charges regulations.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) Regulations SI 2015 No 1968

Amends the 2013 Regulations by adjusting some of the financial obligations of producers and producer compliance schemes. Clarifies the meaning of “WEEE from private households” and the meaning of certain regulations.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) Regulations SI 2018/102

Amend the WEEE Regulations 2013 in order to make new provision for the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of WEEE deposited at designated collection facilities and inserts a new reporting requirement relating to the amount of WEEE sent for treatment or for reuse outside the United Kingdom.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2018/1214

Amend the WEEE Regulations 2013/3113, primarily to implement the “open scope” principle to bring all electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) into scope of Directive 2012/19 EU unless exempt or excluded and retain the current UK WEEE system product categories.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Waste Management Licensing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 SR 519

Amends 2003/493 by providing exemptions for waste electrical and electronic equipment recovery operations.

Waste Management Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 SR 280

Extends the regime for 'controlled waste' to bring mine, quarry and agricultural waste within waste management control. Categorises waste as household, industrial or commercial.

Waste Management (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 SR 18

Amends 2003/493, adds exemptions for ash from incinerating pig or poultry carcasses, dredgings from ditches, mushroom compost and pesticide disposal. Removes exemption for dark smoke caused by burning containers contaminated by pesticides.

The Waste Management Licensing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (legislation.gov.uk)

Amend regulations 1,3,5 and schedule 1 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (NI) 2003 and prescribe the accepted technical competencies for the purpose of determining if a person can be deemed a fit and proper person to hold a waste management licence. Regulation 3 (1)(b) introduces EU skills as a provider of assurance of technical competence in Northern Ireland.

Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 SR 493

Covers applications for waste management licences, which authorise the deposit, disposal and treatment of controlled waste. Includes conditions on the use of certain mobile plant.

Waste Management Licensing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 SR 202

Amend regulation 2 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (the 2003 regulations) to specify and update the list of offences contained in schedule 6 to the regulations and to remove outdated offences.

Waste Management Licensing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 SR 76

Amends 2003/493 to change the regime of waste management licensing exemptions in Northern Ireland to ensure compliance with the Hazardous Waste Directive.

Waste Management Licensing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 SR 403

Amends 2003/493 to provide for an exemption for the landspreading of sludges from on-site effluent treatment of waste from abattoirs and meat and processing plants, following "conventional treatment" or "enhanced treatment".

Waste Management Licensing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 SR 301

Amend the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 to update the technical competence element of the Fit and Proper Person test. Update the requirement for a waste management operator to obtain an appropriate level of competence.

Waste Management Licensing (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015/386

Amend the Controlled Waste (Registration of Carriers and Seizure of Vehicles) Regulations (NI) 1999 and the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (NI) 2003. The purpose of the Regulations is to update and broaden the prescribed offences element of the waste Fit and Proper Person test to include ‘reputational’ convictions and remove regulations that are no longer extant.

Waste Management Licensing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 SR 96

Amend Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 2003 Regulations (Activities exempt from waste management licensing). Therein amends paragraphs 12, 15, 19, 27 and 45 and revokes paragraphs 17 and 18

Waste Management Licensing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 SR 202

Amend regulation 2 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (NI) 2003 to specify and update the list of offences contained in schedule 6 to the regulations and to remove outdated offences.

Waste (Fees and Charges)(Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021/182

Amend the fees and charges in relation to the processing of applications for the registration of brokers, dealers and carriers of waste and the processing of applications for the registration of exemptions from waste management licensing. The purpose of the fees and charges is to recover the costs incurred by NIEA in carrying out its function in relation to processing applications for these registrations.

Waste (Fees and Charges) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 SR112

Amend the fees and charges in relation to the processing of applications for the registration of brokers, dealers and carriers of waste and the processing of applications for the registration of exemptions from waste management licensing. The purpose of the fees and charges is to recover the costs incurred by NIEA in carrying out its function in relation to processing applications for these registrations.

Waste (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2011 SR 127

Requires businesses to apply the waste management hierarchy, introduces a two-tier system for waste carrier, broker and dealer registration, establishes waste prevention programmes and amends other legislation.

Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 SR 240

Makes minor and technical amendments to primary and subordinate legislation, to ensure that the requirements of the revised Waste Framework Directive have been met.

Waste (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 SR 241

Revokes regulation 21 of the Waste Regulations (NI) 2011 on the co-mingled collection of waste and amends a number of typing errors.

Waste (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 SR 95

Amend a number of pieces of legislation to bring into effect the changes introduces by EU Directive 2015/1127. The purpose of the Directive is to apply a climate correction factor to the R1 formula on the recovery of energy from waste.

Batteries and Accumulators (Placing on the Market) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 SI 1139

Amend 2008/2164 by inserting a new regulation to give effect to the requirement for capacity labelling and the enforcement of this.

The Batteries and Accumulators (Placing on the Market) (Amendment) Regulations 2015

Amends the 2008 regulations by removing the exemption for button cells containing up to 2% Mercury, by removing the exemption for power tool batteries containing cadmium, and makes changes to the wording surrounding the removal of batteries from equipment.