EU Retains Battery Recycling Targets: 65% for Lithium-Based by 2025, 50% Lithium Recovery by 2027

September 20, 2026

EU Environment EU

Overview

The European Commission has affirmed that existing EU targets for battery recycling efficiency and material recovery remain appropriate under the 2023 Battery Regulation, requiring no immediate revision. Key mandates include a minimum 65% recycling efficiency for lithium-based batteries by December 31, 2025, and 50% material recovery for lithium by December 31, 2027. This stability provides a clear regulatory framework, supporting sustainable resource management and encouraging investment in the European battery recycling industry.

In Depth

Key Findings

The European Commission has concluded its initial review under the Battery Regulation, affirming that current EU targets for waste battery recycling efficiency and material recovery remain fit for purpose. This decision means there will be no immediate revision of targets, maintaining the existing obligations to achieve minimum recycling efficiencies of 75% for lead-acid batteries, 65% for lithium-based batteries, 80% for nickel-cadmium batteries, and 50% for other waste batteries by December 31, 2025. Material recovery targets, including 90% for cobalt, copper, lead, and nickel, and 50% for lithium, also remain unchanged for achievement by December 31, 2027.

Technical / Clinical Details

These ambitious targets apply universally across all types of waste batteries, encompassing portable batteries, light means of transport (LMT) batteries, starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) batteries, industrial batteries, and electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Recycling efficiency is calculated as the total weight of materials recovered from the recycling process divided by the total weight of waste batteries treated. The material recovery targets are specifically designed to incentivize the re-entry of critical metals into the recycling loop, thereby enhancing the security of raw material supply within the EU.

Background & Context

Europe has established a comprehensive regulatory framework that covers the entire lifecycle of batteries, from production to collection and recycling. This is crucial as demand for batteries rapidly escalates due to the proliferation of electric vehicles and the expansion of renewable energy storage. Ensuring resource sustainability and environmental protection is paramount. Maintaining existing targets provides a stable signal to the recycling industry, fostering investment and technological innovation, and forms a core component of the EU’s broader circular economy strategy.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The European Commission will continue to monitor the evolution of battery technologies and market dynamics, reserving the option to review targets in the future if deemed necessary. The next comprehensive review is scheduled for August 18, 2031. This approach allows the EU to adapt to new technological and economic challenges while sustaining its competitiveness and commitment to sustainability across the battery value chain. Achieving these targets is pivotal for the EU’s green deal objectives and its strategic autonomy in the battery sector.

Source: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/waste-batteries-recycling-targets-remain-fit-purpose-2026-09-11_en

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