March 26, 2026, 10:32 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Since February 18, 2024, a new battery regulation has been in effect in the EU, imposing stricter requirements on manufacturers and retailers. This could make it easier for consumers to dispose of old batteries. A deposit system for batteries is currently being discussed politically in Germany, but it has not yet been decided.
With the implementation of the new EU Regulation 2023/1542 on battery regulation, batteries are to be recycled more efficiently across Europe, return systems expanded, and hazards such as fires from lithium batteries reduced. In Germany, the discussion about a possible deposit for batteries is causing a stir. However, a binding vote on a national law is still pending.
Overview
EU Regulation Tightens Requirements for Battery Manufacturers
The new EU regulation replaces the previous battery directive from 2006. A significant change concerns “device batteries,” which refers to batteries in portable devices such as smartphones, laptops, and household appliances. Consumers should be able to “easily remove and replace” the built-in batteries in the future. Repairs of such devices could thus become easier. However, this regulation will be implemented gradually until 2027 to give manufacturers time to adapt.
The EU regulation also stipulates that comprehensive return systems must be established for all types of batteries—from device to vehicle batteries. The return must be free of charge for consumers. Additionally, manufacturers are required to provide detailed information on the chemical composition, carbon footprint, and recycling rates, and to register a manufacturer ID.
For the first time, batteries for e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric cars are explicitly covered. For consumers, this means more clarity in disposal and better traceability throughout the entire lifecycle.
New Obligations Since August 2025
On August 18, 2025, another key part of the battery regulation came into effect. Since then, uniform regulations for the production, labeling, collection, and disposal of batteries have applied throughout the EU. Additionally, the previous battery classes have been replaced by five new categories—including, for the first time, batteries for light vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters.
For manufacturers and retailers, this marked the beginning of a new phase of obligations: They must register, demonstrably provide return systems, and publish detailed information on the composition of their batteries. Some particularly demanding requirements, such as due diligence obligations for the origin of raw materials, have been postponed by two years and will only take effect from August 2027.
Delays in National Implementation of the BattDG
In Germany, the EU regulation is to be transposed into national law through the so-called Battery Law Enforcement Act (BattDG). However, an initial draft from 2024 failed due to a change in government. The current federal government has since made a new attempt, with content that closely resembles the original draft. The national implementation is still in the legislative process and is expected to be completed by 2026.
Until then, the EU regulation already applies directly, even though national control and enforcement mechanisms still need to follow. Since the final vote in the Bundestag is still pending, experts expect a transition phase in which EU requirements and national regulations could partially apply in parallel.
The Federal Association of the German Waste, Water, and Recycling Industry (BDE) warns of such a transition period. Increasingly, waste is catching fire because batteries are not disposed of properly. Consumers are sometimes unaware of where batteries or accumulators are used—for example, in disposable e-cigarettes or flashing children’s shoes.
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Deposit on Batteries–Is That the Solution?
BDE President Anja Siegesmund is therefore calling for political measures and advocating for a deposit system. Environmental ministers from several federal states also support this step. The goal is to reduce the risk of fire and better protect recycling facilities.
A binding deposit system is currently not decided at either the EU or federal level. Nevertheless, the model is being intensively discussed, also with a view to possible examples from Austria, where proposals such as 10 euros for small batteries and 50 euros for larger accumulators are being considered.
The Green Party argues that a deposit model could not only increase the return rate but also save valuable raw materials and improve the environment and safety. According to EU requirements, 73 percent of device batteries must be collected separately by 2030–a target that is currently being significantly missed.
However, it is currently uncertain what exactly the system will look like and how high the deposit on batteries could be. In Germany, there is currently only the existing deposit on vehicle batteries (7.50 euros), which is refunded upon return.
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Key Points Summarized
The EU battery regulation has been in effect since February 2024, but its most important obligations are being implemented in stages until 2027. For manufacturers and retailers, this means profound changes in production, labeling, and returns.
A deposit system remains the subject of political discussions but has not yet been decided. In the long term, consumers will benefit primarily from better recycling infrastructure, more transparency, and more repair-friendly devices—even if many regulations will only become noticeable in the coming years.