(BRUSSELS) - New EU-wide rules to boost the collection and recycling of used domestic batteries came into force Friday to reduce the environmental and health hazards posed by mercury, lead, cadmium and other metals.

"As of today certain recycling targets have to be respected by member states and that means they would have had to adjust their own legislation," said European Commission spokeswoman Barbara Helfferich.

The targets, already agreed by member states, are the collection of 25 percent of discarded household batteries by 2012 rising to 45 percent in 2016.

By 26 September 2009 all batteries collected should be recycled, with leeway in certain circumstances.

However the spokeswoman admitted that so far only seven of the 27 EU member states -- Austria, Estonia, Latvia, Malta, The Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain -- had brought their national legislation in line with the new EU directive.

Finland. Ireland, Poland and Lithuania have said the legislation is prepared but not yet in force.

The European Commission sees the "batteries directive" as an important step on its wider goal of a greener society.

Officials are concerned about the environmental and health hazards posed by batteries being dumped in landfill sites.

"The revision of the batteries directive represents another important step towards our goal of making Europe into a recycling society," said EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.

"By setting collection targets and requiring recycling, this legislation will also help to protect the health of European citizens and contribute to making consumption and production in the EU more sustainable."

Those member states that have not yet adjusted their laws "should do so without delay," he added.

The responsibility for making sure the new rules work lies with the producers, according to the rules.

Mercury, lead and cadmium are by far the most problematic substances in the battery waste stream, according to the commission.

Batteries containing these substances are classified in Europe as "hazardous waste."

The new rules also cover industrial and vehicle batteries, ensuring that users have the possibility of returning used batteries for collection.

However even under current practice, the collection of industrial and automotive batteries is already close to 100 percent due to their recycling value.

The new rules also include restrictions on the use of mercury in all batteries and on the use of cadmium in portable batteries.

In 2002, 75,515 portable batteries were used in the then 15-member EU, almost half of which ended up in landfill sites or incinerators.

Revision of the EU Batteries Directive - briefing

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