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The future of battery recycling: PSNM Battery Committee meeting

In a rapidly changing world, where sustainability and the circular economy are becoming a priority, efficient management of used batteries plays a key role. Recently, during the meeting of the Battery Committee of the Polish New Mobility Association (PSNM), together with representatives of public administration, leading technology companies and recyclers, we had the opportunity to discuss the most important issues of the new Battery Act and the upcoming Battery Regulation of the European Union.

We would like to thank you very much for the constructive and substantive discussion, in particular Maciej Białek from the Ministry of Climate and Environment and Piotr Jarmowicz from the Ministry of Development and Technology, whose contribution was invaluable.

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Key Findings and Upcoming Changes in Battery Law

The meeting allowed us to draw key conclusions about the future of battery recycling in Poland and Europe. Here are the most important aspects of the upcoming regulations:

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New Battery Law: Clarity and Responsibility

• Clarification of the rules: the battery law will precisely define the rules for the storage and processing of used batteries, which will provide greater operational clarity.
• New definitions: new definitions will be introduced, including the key “battery recovery organization” - an example of an active entity operating in this area is Green Recovery Recovery Organization.
• Waste classification criteria: precise criteria will be established for the moment when the battery becomes waste, which is extremely important for the entire recycling process.
• Additional Responsibilities: Manufacturers, importers and assemblers of batteries will have to meet new obligations to increase their commitment to the life cycle of the product.
• Organizing the rules: the rules will regulate the classification of batteries as waste or as a product for reuse, supporting the circular economy.

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New requirements for recovery organizations: higher efficiency

Upcoming regulations pose new challenges and opportunities for recovery organizations:

• Higher level of recycling efficiency: The obligation to ensure a much higher level of recycling efficiency will force the industry to invest in modern technologies and processes.
• Precise input: there will be a need to obtain precise input data, including the chemical composition of the battery, which will improve recycling processes.
• Traceability of waste streams: new digital tools will facilitate traceability of waste streams, increasing transparency and control over the entire cycle.

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Battery Passport — a key element for recyclers

One of the most innovative solutions that will revolutionize the industry is battery passport. It will be a digital tool to support the correct processing and reuse of used batteries, providing key information:

• Battery composition and chemistry: the passport will provide detailed data on the composition and chemistry of a particular battery.
• Support for processing and reuse: make it easier for recyclers to decide on the optimal recovery method, ensuring compliance with the strictest EU rules.
• Increased transparency: Thanks to it, the entire battery path — from production, to use, to recycling — will become fully transparent.

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Upcoming EU regulation: automatic obligations from 16 August 2025

Regardless of the ongoing work on the national law, it is worth remembering that On 16 August 2025, the Directly applicable EU Regulation on Batteries and Waste Batteries will come into force. This means that some of the obligations will come into force automatically, without the need for implementation in national law — including those related to Extended Producer Responsibility (ROP). This is an important step towards harmonising rules across the European Union.

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Challenges and Opportunities: Wastes Service Group Ready for the Future

The new regulations are undoubtedly a challenge, but above all — a huge opportunity to further develop the industry and strengthen the circular economy. We agree that the proposed changes are beneficial — increasing predictability, promoting innovation and supporting the creation of a sustainable battery ecosystem.

We are proud that Wastes Service Group plant in Wszemirow it is already operating on the basis of the assumptions of the upcoming legislation. Our recycling infrastructure is designed to meet the most current and future-proof requirements, demonstrating our commitment to building a sustainable future. We are ready to meet new challenges and seize the opportunities that the coming changes bring!

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