Built-in, non-rechargeable batteries could disappear from the EU market as early as 2030, following a vote in the European Parliament on new battery legislation.
"The days of disposable models are numbered" writes German magazine eGarage.
The EU will tighten rules for appliances with built-in batteries. This is clear after an overwhelming majority in the European Parliament (587 to 9) voted in favor of the European Commission's proposal for new rules on batteries. Within four years, batteries built into appliances will be easily removable by the end user. If they are to be sold at all.
Want to access disposable weapons
As Vejpkollen previously reported the upcoming legislation is likely to affect the market for e-cigarettes in Europe. Disposable vapes, which are meant to be discarded in their entirety when the battery runs out, are one of the product categories that the European Parliament wants to tackle.
"The days of disposable models are numbered. The European Union wants to move away from the disposable society and towards more sustainability, environmental protection, recycling and resource awareness," writes German magazine eGarage in an comment on the Parliament's decision.
To be "phased out"
In addition to requiring that non-rechargeable batteries can be easily removed from appliances, the legislation aims to review the possibility of 'phasing out' the use of these batteries completely after a transition phase in 2030.
"We agreed on measures that will greatly benefit consumers: batteries will be well-functioning, safer and easier to remove. Our overall goal is to build a stronger recycling industry in the EU, especially for lithium, and a competitive industrial sector as a whole, which is crucial for our continent's energy transition and strategic independence in the coming decades. These measures can become a benchmark for the entire global battery market." said the Italian MEP Achille Variati when the new laws were voted through.
Businesses want to recycle
Various players in the market for disposable models have recently launched various schemes to collect and recycle the devices in a simpler way than today.
If I remember correctly, it was the EU that introduced the built-in battery and non-refillable vape unit rule.
The reasoning at the time was that small children should not have access to the juice.
They will now reverse their own decision.
Oh, you mean that the decision-making bodies in the EU and those who prepare the decisions do not know how the products and substances they regulate work in practice? Sounds completely unbelievable 😉