Definition of batteries

Batteries or accumulators within the meaning of the European Battery Directive 2006/66/EC, means any source of electrical energy generated by direct conversion of chemical energy and consisting of one or more primary battery cells (non-rechargeable) or consisting of one or more secondary battery cells (rechargeable).

Batteries are differentiated in:

  1. portable battery or accumulator
  2. automotive battery or accumulator
  3. industrial battery or accumulator

Battery Directive

The EU introduced a Battery Directive 2006/66/EC which came into force in EU Member States from 26 September 2008, replacing the first Battery Directive 91/157/EC whose objectives were not achieved. The Battery Directive 2006/66/EC has been amended by Battery Directive 2013/56/EU of 20 November 2013.

If your company is classed as a batteries producer in an EU Member State, then you will have direct responsibility to

  • Register as a battery producer in that country
  • Finance the recovery, treatment and disposal of batteries at the end of their life
  • Ensure new batteries placed on the market after 26 September 2008 comply with the Directive substance restrictions for mercury and cadmium
  • Label new batteries placed on the market after 26 September 2008 with the crossed-out wheelie bin, chemical symbol if the battery exceeds certain concentrations for mercury, cadmium and lead and, if a portable or automotive battery, mark the battery capacity
  • Ensure to design appliances in such a way that waste batteries and accumulators can be readily removed; where they cannot be readily removed by the end-user, you have to ensure to design appliances in such a way that waste batteries and accumulators can be readily removed by qualified professionals that are independent of the manufacturer.

A ‘battery producer’ is defined as the first person to put batteries on the market in an EU Member State, including batteries incorporated in appliances.

The battery producer registration process and deadlines are different in every member state.

Portable batteries

Portable battery or accumulator within the meaning of the European Battery Directive 2006/66/EC means any battery, button cell, battery pack or accumulator that:

  1. is sealed and
  2. can be hand-carried and
  3. is neither an industrial battery or accumulator nor an automotive battery or accumulator.

In transposing the Battery Directive into national law, some EU Member States have implemented additional definitions for portable batteries (e.g. the weight). Batteries used in smartphones, laptops, notebooks, tablets, toys, household equipment, lamps, consumer electronics etc. are usually portable batteries.

Industrial batteries

An industrial battery or accumulator within the meaning of the European Battery Directive 2006/66/EC is any battery or accumulator designed for exclusively industrial or professional use or used in any type of electric vehicle.

Automotive batteries

An automotive battery or accumulator within the meaning of the European Battery Directive 2006/66/EC is any battery or accumulator used for automotive starter, lighting or ignition power. These are generally lead batteries used in vehicles.

Battery recycling

For a high quality battery recycling their separate collection from other waste is essential. Batteries installed in electrical appliances must be removed before further treatment. Then, the batteries are sorted into the following different types:

  • Lead-acid batteries
  • Lead batteries
  • Lithium batteries
  • NiCd batteries
  • NiMh batteries
  • Button cells
  • Alkaline manganese batteries / zinc-carbon batteries

Some battery types have to be discharged before feeding into the recycling process. The battery treatment usually consists of processes such as crushing and separation into metals, electrolytes, plastics, and other materials.