Battery recycling is not nice to have – it is mandatory
What is the current situation regarding the recycling of household batteries?
The market is currently stable but will grow in the coming years due to new EU collection targets – 73% by 2030. In Germany alone, over 55,000 tonnes of batteries were put into circulation in 2023. Only about half of these actually end up in separate collection. Across Europe, the collection rate is around 46%. This means that millions of batteries remain in devices, end up in residual or packaging waste, or lie unused in households. This is not only a loss of valuable raw materials, but also poses significant safety risks. Lithium batteries are considered particularly critical – if stored incorrectly or damaged, they can cause fires, for example in collection vehicles, processing plants or during temporary storage. In Germany, the proportion of Li-ion batteries placed on the market is now over 25%.
What are the hurdles for recycling companies?
The EU plans to classify mixed household batteries as ‘hazardous waste’. As part of the revision of the European Waste List, the classification of so-called ‘black mass’ as hazardous waste has already been decided. These changes mean that the storage of such waste requires adjustments to existing operating permits. In addition, affected facilities could fall under the provisions of the Hazardous Incident Ordinance in the future. This is a step that will drastically increase permits and operating costs for waste disposal companies. According to ADR, no more than 330 kg of lithium batteries may be transported in a truck without special transport packaging. In general, this requires a complex notification process for cross-border transport. This also results in higher logistics costs and stricter insurance requirements.
How will the situation change with the planned EU Battery Pass?
It will become more complex. From 2026, information on the capacity and recyclability of batteries will have to be provided. Further information will be available via QR codes. Where these will be printed is still unclear. Batteries must also be marked with the symbol for ‘separate collection’ to indicate proper disposal. All well and good – but in practice, sorting by type is often difficult to implement. The reason: many batteries are not clearly identifiable due to their size, packaging, contamination or damage. Packaged batteries are considered safe, but cannot be assigned to a specific sorting category. Yellowed, dirty or unidentifiable batteries are particularly problematic – they cannot be reliably sorted during the sorting process. In addition, batteries from non-EU countries often lack clear or correct labelling of the cell chemistry they contain, which makes it difficult to determine the appropriate sorting category.non-EU countries often lack clear or correct labelling of the cell chemistry they contain, which causes further uncertainty.
How does Saubermacher meet these challenges?
We rely on high-tech and cooperation: Together with Meinhardt Städtereinigung GmbH & Co. KG, we are building one of Europe’s most modern battery recycling plants in Ginsheim-Gustavsburg in southern Hesse. There, we sort up to 20,000 tonnes of household batteries per year with AI support and promote recycling. There, we sort up to 20,000 tonnes of household batteries per year with the help of AI and promote recycling directly on site. Thanks to state-of-the-art fire protection systems, the plant complies with the highest safety standards.
Why is recycling economically viable and ecologically necessary?
Nickel, zinc and manganese are all critical raw materials and make up 40% of classic household batteries, with metals accounting for the rest. We can recover up to 85% of the battery mass. And we do this using up to 95% less energy than in primary production. Hydrometallurgical processes are particularly effective. Such technologies are key to a functioning circular economy.
The appeal to the industry?
Design for recycling must become standard. Manufacturers, retailers and waste disposal companies must work more closely together. We need clear labelling, digital traceability and uniform regulations across Europe. This is the only way to turn the vision into reality – and achieve a genuine circular battery economy. In addition, a method must be established, such as the cash-back system proclaimed by the VOEB, to ensure a collection rate of almost 100% for lithium device batteries, as these batteries are a fire hazard if collected improperly.
