Legislation on the Environmentally Sound Management of Used Lead Acid Batteries

This document presents Belize’s Department of the Environment approach to managing used lead-acid batteries, outlining laws, controls, statistics, lessons, and planned improvements. It references the Environmental Protection Act, Pollution Regulations, and Hazardous Waste Regulations; mandates import licences via the OPAL system; and notes exports lack specific regulation but require Basel Convention documentation. It describes a national recycling program built with importer collaboration, management guidelines, and buy-back incentives. Reported figures for 2015–2020 reflect customs declarations and environmental permits, not units. Identified needs include OPAL–ASYCUDA integration, data reporting, importer engagement, public awareness, and work with Customs, plus stronger permitting and enforcement.