The Joint Research Centre (JRC) had been tasked by the Directorate-General of the Environment with the assessment of recycling efficiency (RE) and recovery of materials (RM) targets for waste batteries, in line with Article 71(5) of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. The focus is on lithium-based batteries due to their more recent market development and the fast evolving technologies characterizing these batteries. Stakeholder feedback was collected and a JRC internal analysis was conducted to evaluate if it is appropriate to revise the targets in Part B and Part C of Annex XII of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. Although challenging, the targets for RE and RM are supported by a flexible calculation methodology, allowing recyclers to exclude certain fractions temporarily. The assessment revealed no immediate need to amend any of the existing targets, as the existing requirements provide recyclers the necessary flexibility. However, monitoring scientific and technical progress resulted as crucial, especially regarding the recovery of fractions not currently recovered (e.g. graphite) or not yet fully implemented at industrial scale (e.g. lithium). The report suggests maintaining current targets to encourage industry innovation without prematurely altering investment strategies. The JRC emphasizes the importance of continued stakeholder engagement and data collection to ensure a sustainable and competitive battery recycling industry in the EU.

OREFICE Martina;  MANNI Fabio Massimo;  MATHIEUX Fabrice; 

2026-09-14

Publications Office of the European Union

JRC145625

978-92-68-43155-9 (online),    978-92-68-43156-6 (print),   

1831-9424 (online),    1018-5593 (print),   

EUR 40843,    EUR 40843 (print),    OP KJ-01-26-377-EN-N (online),    OP KJ-01-26-377-EN-C (print),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC145625,   

10.2760/0167414 (online),    10.2760/2849076 (print),