With some exceptions, it applies to all batteries and accumulators, no matter their chemical nature, size or design. It also ensures the smooth functioning of the internal market by harmonising requirements as regards the placing on the market of batteries and accumulators. It intends to contribute to the protection, preservation and improvement of the quality of the environment by minimising the negative impact of batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators. The EU legislation on waste batteries is embodied in the Batteries Directive. Many of the components of these batteries and accumulators could be recycled, avoiding the release of hazardous substances to the environment and, in addition, providing valuable materials to important products and production processes in Europe. Not all these batteries are properly collected and recycled at the end of their life, which increases the risk of releasing hazardous substances and constitutes a waste of resources. Every year, approximately 800.000 tons of automotive batteries, 190.000 tons of industrial batteries, and 160.000 tons of consumer batteries enter the European Union. Press release: Green Deal: Sustainable batteries for a circular and climate neutral economy.īatteries and accumulators play an essential role to ensure that many daily-used products, appliances and services work properly, constituting an indispensable energy source in our society. This Regulation aims to ensure that batteries placed in the EU market are sustainable and safe throughout their entire life cycle. The Commission proposed a new Batteries Regulation (with Annexes) on 10 December 2020.

Lithium batteries