New deposit system for batteries in Austria: is the turn?

New deposit system for batteries in Austria: is the turn?

Österreich, Land - The discussion about a new deposit system for batteries and batteries in Austria has recorded on speed. The Greens initiate this proposal, partly based on the positive experiences with the deposit that has existed since January 1, 2025 on plastic bottles and aluminum roses, which costs 25 cents. The application of Lukas Hammer, environmental spokesman for the Greens, was initially postponed on April 10, 2025 in the environmental committee of Parliament, but the political will is recognizable. According to 5min.at , 7,100 tons of device batteries were brought into circulation in Austria, while only 2,800 tons of which were collected properly. Many batteries land wrong in residual waste. Hammer describes this as a "massive environmental problem" and criticizes the loss of valuable resources. In addition, there is an acute risk of fire due to improperly disposed lithium batteries.

The introduction of a deposit system for batteries could possibly be a solution. A deposit of 10 euros is planned for small batteries and 50 euros for large batteries, especially for electric vehicles. A central aspect of this application is the motivation of the end users to return altakkus and batteries. The current governments - consisting of ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS - speak of "suitable incentive mechanisms" in their government program, but do not explicitly refer to a new deposit system. Rather, the discussion about the pledge system is in the context of the new EU regulations, which will request a collective rate of 73 % for batteries by 2030.

EU regulations and collective quotas

The EU Battery Ordinance (EU Battvo), which came into force on February 18, 2024, replaced the previous battery directive. This set of rules is crucial for the promotion of sustainable production and disposal methods for batteries. It sets stricter collecting targets: the collection rate for device batteries will be raised to 45 % by 2023, 63 % by 2027 and 73 % by 2030. For batteries of light transport, quotas are 51 % until 2028 and 61 % by 2031. All waste of batteries must also be collected without costs for end users, regardless of the type or condition of the batteries. Europarl reports on the need for specific recycling procedures and Composition of the batteries vary.

An important goal of the EU regulations is to reuse materials. From August 2031, new batteries must contain minimum shares in recycled raw materials, including 16 % cobalt, 85 % lead, 6 % lithium and 6 % nickel. These measures should not only increase the recycling quota, but also reduce the CO₂ footprint of manufacturers. Manufacturers are obliged to document the CO₂ emissions and to provide CE marking and a declaration of conformity, which further increases responsibility in the entire value chain.

outlook on the implementation

The EU BattVO requires comprehensive adjustments for companies that produce or sell batteries. Commercial companies must ensure that only compliant batteries are sold. In addition, collective and withdrawal systems are expanded, so that batteries of e-bikes and e-scooters will also be absorbed in the future. Consumers could benefit from improved return options and clearer information about the correct disposal of batteries.

summarized the topic of return and recycling from batteries in both Austria and at EU level as extremely urgent. The planned changes in the deposit systems and the new EU regulations are characterized by sustainable and environmentally conscious use of resources. The discussion about how citizens can be motivated to actively participate in these programs will continue to be important. A clear and well thought -out information policy could play a key role here.