EU battery recycling targets remain unchanged – the European Commission has maintained the current levels

Why has the Commission not introduced any changes?

The European Commission has submitted a report to the European Parliament and the Council in which it assessed the need to amend the existing targets for recycling and material recovery rates, as set out in Parts B and C of Annex XII to the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. In the Commission’s view, no changes are necessary – The current objectives promote the development of new technologies and an increase in the plant’s processing capacity. Reducing them could delay essential investment, whilst increasing them would put further pressure on the sector, resulting in only a slight increase in the availability of raw materials.

As the Commission pointed out:

The current targets set out in Parts B and C of Annex XII to Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 strike an appropriate balance between ambition and feasibility. They support the transition to a circular economy and encourage innovation and investment in the key area of battery recycling, without placing an undue burden on the growing industry.

This was the first time the Commission had carried out this type of assessment. The need to carry it out stemmed directly from Article 71(5) of the Battery Regulation, pursuant to which The Commission is required to assess on a regular basis whether market developments, the availability of raw materials and scientific and technical progress justify a change to the current recycling and recovery targets. If the results of this assessment indicate that an adjustment is warranted, the European Commission may exercise its power to amend the original percentage levels and change them by means of a delegated act.

Find out about the other obligations of producers (distributors) of batteries and rechargeable batteries placed on the Polish market >>

What data was the assessment based on? JRC technical analysis

The Commission based its decision on based on a technical assessment carried out by the JRC on behalf of the Directorate-General for the Environment. In the 62-page document, JRC experts focused primarily on lithium batteries, which constitute one of the most diverse and fastest-growing product groups in the industry.

Data for the analysis began to be collected in September 2025. To this end, JRC experts used specially designed questionnaires, which were sent to a wide range of stakeholders across the EU: industry associations, organisations involved in the management of end-of-life batteries, non-governmental organisations and independent experts. Participants represented all the types of batteries analysed: lead-acid, lithium, nickel-cadmium and others. The study also covered all application categories – from portable and industrial batteries to batteries for electric vehicles, light transport, and starter, lighting and ignition batteries. Representatives from the lithium battery sector showed the greatest level of engagement.

Most of the data provided to the JRC by the industry was made available on a confidential basis. During the stakeholder workshop organised in January 2026, the JRC specifically invited experts specialising in lead-acid, nickel-cadmium and other types of batteries to provide comments on the findings and proposals relating to their areas of expertise.

To supplement the responses from interested parties, the JRC analysed achievable recycling rates by modelling the supply of raw materials for battery production and the demand for those materials.

Recycling targets for waste batteries under the Batteries Regulation

Maintaining the current targets also means adhering to the timetable for the gradual tightening of requirements. The minimum recycling and recovery rates, and the deadlines for achieving them, are set out in Parts B and C of Annex XII to the Batteries Regulation.

By 31 December 2025, at least the following recycling efficiency targets, based on average weight, were to be achieved:

• 75% for lead-acid batteries,
• 65% for lithium batteries,
• 80% for nickel-cadmium batteries,
• 50% for other used batteries.

By 31 December 2030, at least the following recycling efficiency targets must be achieved, based on average weight:

• 80% for lead-acid batteries,
• 70% for lithium batteries.

By 31 December 2027, at least the following material recovery targets must be met:

• 90% for cobalt, copper, lead and nickel,
• 50% for lithium.

By 31 December 2031, at least the following material recovery targets must be met:

• 95% for cobalt, copper, lead and nickel,
• 80% for lithium.

Sources:

1. Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the assessment of the appropriateness of revising the targets for recycling efficiency and material recovery set out in Parts B and C of Annex XII to Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, https://environment.ec.europa.eu/document/download/6297f987-49f6-432b-8119-d60fb6a26c9b_en?filename=COM_2026_470_1_EN_ACT_part1_v3.pdf
2. Waste Batteries: Commission finds that recycling targets remain fit for purpose, https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/waste-batteries-recycling-targets-remain-fit-purpose-2026-09-11_en?prefLang=pl
3. Technical assessment by the Joint Research Centre in relation to Article 71(5) of the Batteries Regulation, https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC145625