Updated List of European Waste with battery-related waste codes

Country / jurisdiction: European Union · Year: 2025 · Status: In force · Level: Regional · Type: Voluntary

The European Commission has updated the List of Waste to include new battery-related waste codes, aiming to enhance the circular management of batteries and their critical raw materials. This update, effective from March 5, 2025, classifies shredded battery waste, known as "black mass," as hazardous, thereby improving control over its shipments and banning exports to non-OECD countries. This decision supports the Battery Regulation's goal of shifting to a circular economy, increasing the security of supply for raw materials, and enhancing the EU's strategic autonomy. The new codes cover various stages of the battery life cycle, including manufacturing, post-consumer batteries, and intermediate fractions from recycling, ensuring proper handling and boosting battery recycling efforts within the EU.

Official source: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/document/48cdc11b-facb-429a-80ad-4b37bce77ced_en