EuRIC Reaction to the Proposed Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation (Batteries – modernizing EU rules)

The European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC) welcomes the long-awaited proposed Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation published by the EU Commission on December 10, 2020. It is a fact that improving the design of batteries – making them more sustainable, readily removable and easily recyclable - is a pre-condition to transition towards a circular economy. It is also part of the solution to tackle acute problems faced by recyclers linked to the ever-increasing battery fires during the collection, transport and treatment of the booming end-of-life products containing batteries, which pose major problems.

EuRIC sees the Commission’s Proposal as a huge step forward in terms of connecting the dots between the design and end-of-life (EoL) phase of batteries (from design & production to reuse & recycling) while simultaneously minimizing their harmful effects on the environment – and as a consequence on human health. However, the following points have been identified for further improvements; where clarifications, changes or additions are needed to establish a well-functioning regulatory framework.