Germany is due for a new battery recycling law: An updated EU regulation has increased the recycling targets for waste batteries and also created new standards for manufacturers.
In order to meet these requirements, Germany is adopting new rules for the handling and recycling of batteries that will affect everyone living in the country.
The updated rules are intended to make battery recycling easier for consumers. You'll be able to drop off virtually all types of batteries at recycling centres in the future, for example.
Also, new labelling requirements in the EU should make it easier to confirm how a battery was made, and that it meets certain standards.
Originally expected to come into force by August 18th, the change has been delayed in the Bundestag, which is now out for a summer recess.
A report by RUHR24 suggests that German lawmakers will vote on the new rules on September 11th.
What's changing?
Put simply the new rules are intended to expand collection systems for waste batteries, and increase collection rates in accordance with EU requirements.
The biggest change to know is that going forward all batteries – from button cells to e-bike batteries – can be disposed of at municipal recycling centres free of charge.
If you just have a few small batteries or electronics to dispose of, you should still be able to do so at your local supermarket.
READ ALSO: Where can I dispose my old electronic devices in Germany?
Expanding what can be dropped at the recycling centre is intended to help Germany increase the amount of batteries that are recycled.
The EU requires member states to meet minimum recycling requirements, which are being ramped up for the batteries and their mineral contents. Until now the German minimum collection rate has been 50 percent. For portable batteries, a quota of 63 percent will apply from the end of 2027, and by 2030 it will rise to 73 percent.Â
These recycling requirements are primarily enforced on battery manufacturers, but consumers should be careful not dispose of batteries improperly. According to a report by t-online, throwing a battery in a standard waste bin - such as the mixed waste (Restmüll) or yellow-bin (Gelbe tonne) containers - can result in a fine up to €2,500.
READ ALSO: Why you'll have to take more care sorting your biowaste in Germany this year
New labelling, more transparency
The new rules will also require new batteries to be marked with a quality stamp and include QR codes with information about their contents and details on recyclability.
Going forward all new batteries should be marked with a CE, which shows that the battery was manufactured in accordance with EU regulations.
Also, QR codes on batteries are to be required - although this requirement will be ramped up in time.
The QR codes will be linked to information about; the environmental impact of the battery's production, its raw material contents, how long it should last, and how well can it be recycled.
Old phone new battery
In a related update, you can look forward to soon being able to keep your same phone even after its original battery dies.
By 2027, an EU regulation is requiring smartphone manufacturers - like Apple, Samsung and others - to design their batteries to be replaceable without the use of special tools.
In effect, if the battery on your phone needs to be replaced, you should be able to simply remove the old battery with a screwdriver and swap it for a new one in future - or have the repair done quickly and easily in a shop.
This rule also applies to other battery-powered consumer electronics, such as; tablets, laptops, headphones, game consoles and controllers, remote controls, and clocks.
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