The Battery Act is the successor to the German Battery Ordinance and implements the EU Waste Batteries Directive (Directive 2006/66/EC). Due to the new EU Battery Regulation 2023 (BATT2), which has been in force since 18 February 2024, it has been and will be further adapted. The BattG serves to increase the recycling rate for batteries and rechargeable batteries. It is also intended to protect the environment and consumers from toxic substances such as mercury and cadmium.
For dealers who sell batteries, rechargeable batteries or devices that contain batteries or rechargeable batteries, the Battery Act has a number of implications that also affect online retailers:
- They must ensure that they do not offer batteries or rechargeable batteries that are now banned, for example because they contain excessive amounts of cadmium or mercury.
- Retailers must take back batteries and rechargeable batteries if they offer comparable products. These must then be passed on to the manufacturer or a recycling system.
- When selling car batteries, retailers must charge a deposit of €7.50. When returning car batteries, they must either refund the deposit to their customers or issue a battery disposal certificate.
Especially for retailers and workshops that accept lithium-ion batteries, the take-back obligation can pose a risk. The batteries and accumulators are often returned damaged or deeply discharged. The chaotic conditions in the collection containers can also lead to short circuits. Both can cause a ‘thermal runaway’ under certain circumstances and thus trigger a fire. Damaged batteries in particular may only be transported on the road under special safety precautions. RETRON supports dealers in the safe storage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Contact us for a customized solution - even for damaged or inflated lithium-ion batteries.
