Batteries collection rate

In 2020, 47 % of the portable batteries and accumulators placed on the market in the EU27 between 2018 and 2020 were collected

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The portable batteries and accumulators collection rate (%) is calculated as the weight of portable batteries and accumulators collected in the reference year relative to the average weight of portable batteries and accumulators that are placed on the market (POM) during that reference year and the preceding two calendar years. Between 2013 and 2020, the batteries collection rate increased from 37.9% to 47.4%. After a slight decrease between 2016 and 2017 (46.0%), the collection rates increased until 2019 (51.3%), followed by a drop to 47.4 % in 2020.

The decrease in collection rates in 2020 could be attributed to the continued increase of portable batteries POM in previous years and the Covid related lockdowns in 2020 while at the same time a stagnating collection of those portable batteries. The main bottlenecks in reaching high collection rates of batteries are considered to be the mixing with other waste streams (including waste electrical and electrical equipment) and stocks at households. Batteries from mobility i.e., electric vehicles (EV) and Light Means of Transport (LMT, such as e-bikes) are not included in this data but will surely become an increasing issue as these types of vehicles start reaching their end-of-life.

A substantial quantity of waste batteries is being generated in Europe and it is anticipated to grow in the coming years. Despite differences in their chemical composition and construction, one common characteristic is that most battery types contain harmful heavy metals like nickel, cadmium, and mercury, all of which can be reclaimed and repurposed. Proper collection of batteries is environmentally beneficial as it prevents their disposal in landfills or incineration, where the heavy metals can enter into the soil, water or air, causing risks to environment and human health. Furthermore, batteries contain several base metals and critical raw materials and are therefore an important source of secondary materials, if properly collected and managed [2].

In Europe, the 'Batteries Directive' outlines specific goals for the collection rates of portable batteries and accumulators [3]. Initially, the target was set at a collection rate of 25% in 2012, with a subsequent increase to 45% by 2016. As of 2020, 19 EU Member States achieved a collection rate of 45% or higher for portable waste batteries, and an additional four reported rates within the range of 40% to 45% [4].

The quantities of portable batteries and accumulators introduced to the market vary significantly among EU Member States. Sales in individual Member States ranged from 143 tonnes in Malta (0,3kg/capita) to over 65,000 tonnes in Germany (0,7kg/capita) in 2020. Overall, there has been a notable increase in country-specific sales from 2009 to 2020, with most Member States experiencing a rise in volumes [4].

Additional reading:

[1] EPBA. (2022). The collection of waste portable batteries in Europe in view of the achievability of the collection targets set by Batteries Directive 2006/66/EC. https://www.epbaeurope.net/assets/Report-on-the-portable-battery-collection-rates---Short-Update-2022.pdf

[2] EEA. (2019). Reducing loss of resources from waste management is key to strengthening the circular economy in Europe. https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/reducing-loss-of-resources-from.

[3] Directive 2006/66/EC of the European parliament and of the council of 6 September 2006 on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators and repealing Directive 91/157/EEC., (2018). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A02006L0066-20180704

[4] Eurostat – Statistics Explained (January 2023). Eurostat online publication. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Waste_statistics_-_recycling_of_batteries_and_accumulators

Definition

Battery collection rate shows the ratio between the weight of portable batteries and accumulators collected in the reference year and the average weight of portable batteries and accumulators placed on the market in the reference year and two preceding years. Portable battery or accumulator means any battery, button cell, battery pack or accumulator that is sealed, can be hand-caried and is neither an industrial battery or accumulator nor an automotive battery and/or accumulator.

Methodology

Raw data on the weight of portable batteries and accumulators collected and the placed on the market were retrieved from Eurostat. Eurostat aggregated data for the EU-27 were used for this metric. The Battery Directive distinguishes between portable batteries and accumulators; and industrial and automotive batteries and accumulators.

Metadata

Data source: Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat): https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/env_waspb/default/table?lang=en

Units: Percentage

Temporal coverage: Annually from 2013.

Geographic coverage: Aggregated EU 27

Batteries collection rate

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References and footnotes