BATTERY INFORMATIONS FOR EU REGULATION
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack

Reference: Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council on batteries and waste batteries, Article 74 (in conjunction with Article 64 on obligations of end-users and Directive 2008/98/EC Article 8a(2)). Manufacturers or their entrusted producer responsibility organisations shall provide end-users and distributors with the following information in respect of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries they place on the market in the Member States: 

(a) Role of end‑users in waste prevention

Use and charge the battery in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions to extend its service life. Do not store, use or charge the battery under extreme temperatures or high humidity. If the battery will not be used for a long period, avoid fully discharging it; it is recommended to store it with partial charge and inspect it regularly to prevent damage from over‑discharge. When significant capacity degradation is observed, give priority to cell replacement or repair rather than scrapping the whole device. Prior to disposal, batteries may retain value through reuse, preparation for reuse, preparation for recovery, recovery and remanufacturing.

(b) Role of end‑users in separate collection (Article 64)

End-users are obliged to dispose of waste batteries separately from other waste streams (including unsorted municipal waste) and hand them over to designated separate collection points established by producers or their PROs pursuant to Articles 59–61, to enable subsequent treatment and the recovery of materials such as cobalt, lithium, nickel, manganese and copper, in line with EU environmental objectives.

(c) Separate collection, take‑back and collection points, preparation for reuse, repurposing and treatment

Waste batteries may be handed in at: collection bins at retail outlets (distributors have a free take-back obligation, Article 62), municipal recycling centres (Article 66) and other designated battery collection points. After collection, batteries are sorted and tested; preparation for reuse / recovery shall be assessed as a priority (Article 73). Batteries that cannot be reused enter the treatment chain (discharging, shredding, sorting, material recovery, complying with Annex XII).

(d) Safety instructions for handling waste batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries contain flammable electrolytes, which may undergo thermal runaway, catch fire, or even explode if damaged, squeezed, short-circuited, or exposed to high temperatures. Do not mix used batteries with metal objects such as keys and coins; it is recommended to wrap the terminals with insulating tape and store them separately. If you notice any signs of swelling, deformation, unusual odor, or leakage, avoid further contact and use. Place them in a fireproof bag or metal container and take them to a collection point as soon as possible. Do not incinerate, pierce, or disassemble the batteries. Keep them out of reach of children; if a button battery is swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.

(e) Meaning of labels and symbols (Article 13)

(f) Impact of substances on environment and human health

Lithium batteries contain a variety of materials (zinc, manganese, lithium, etc.). If improperly discarded (e.g., landfilled or incinerated), the electrolyte can leak and cause soil and water contamination; heavy metals may accumulate in the environment. Swallowing a battery can cause injury; batteries should be kept away from children. Inappropriate disposal increases environmental burdens, wastes recoverable materials, and may lead to fires or injuries during waste handling. Leaking batteries can cause chemical burns; always handle with care.

This information is provided to support end‑users in responsible battery use and disposal, in line with EU waste legislation.