New measures will boost the recovery and recycling of batteries
The European Commission has introduced new rules to calculate and verify recycling efficiency and material recovery from waste batteries, supporting the EU’s circular economy and climate neutrality goals. Effective from July 24, 2025, these rules aim to enhance high-quality recycling, especially for critical raw materials like cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, and lead. They provide a clear methodology for recyclers to measure efficiency and prevent unfair competition in the secondary raw materials market. A standardized reporting format will ensure consistent application across Member States. Recycling efficiency targets, set under Annex XII of the Batteries Regulation, must be met by 2025, including 75% for lead-acid and 65% for lithium batteries, with higher goals for 2030. Material recovery targets must reach 90% for most critical metals and 50% for lithium by 2027, rising further by 2031. These measures are based on a JRC report developed with stakeholder input, aiming to keep valuable materials in use and reduce waste. Learn more about this plan.
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