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Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) forces Lidl to dutifully take back electronic waste

The months-long effort to remove these batteries is coming to an end this April.

Today, the European Commission adopted the 2025-2030 working plan for the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Energy Labelling Regulation.

WtERT asked Dr. J. Hobohm, Managing Director of Gemeinsames Rücknahmesystem Servicegesellschaft mbH about high level events in this year. Her response is remarkable:

ACI Environ is organizing the Study Tour on Battery Recycling in China, from the 16th to the 20th June 2025.

By creating the BiH ESAP 2030+, the competent institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) received an Environmental Strategy and an Action Plan with strategic and thematic goals, with feasible, clearly defined and adopted measures. The content of BiH ESAP2030+ refers to seven EU areas of the environmental acquis, including the thematic area of Waste.

The “Brennpunkt: Batterie” campaign is an initiative of the members of the BDE

E-waste is a complex mixture of materials and components that can cause major environmental and health problems due to its hazardous content. In order to improve e-waste management and contribute to the circular economy and increase resource efficiency, it is necessary to improve the collection, treatment, and recycling of e-waste.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) contains dangerous substances that pose risks to the environment and human health. In 2022, the WEEE collection rate was 40.6%, which is still lower than the 65% target set by the WEEE Directive. Electrical and electronic equipment is placed on the market faster than WEEE is collected, which reflects Member States’ struggle to reach collection targets and ensure that it does not reach the environment.

Incorrect disposal of small and micro electrical appliances with lithium batteries (Lithium Light Appliances - LiLA) represents an increased safety risk. GRS is testing separate return of these devices at public waste disposal sites and in retail using the LiLA bin.

This exciting initiative, led by ECOLOGICON GmbH and Stiftung GRS Batterien. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety BATTPRO focuses on developing sustainable systems for collecting and recycling household and lithium-ion batteries in Cambodia and Thailand.

In summer 2024, the South African government published a strategy paper on the management of e-waste, which was developed in collaboration with Empa. This is the first time the country has issued standardized guidelines for the proper and safe handling of e-waste. The collaboration is part of a program funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Belgium prohibits the sale of single-use (disposable) e-cigarettes as of 1 January 2025.

Amending Bill of the German Act on Electr(on)ical Equipment (11 October 2024): Separate collection for re-use

Expected ban of disposable e-cigarettes (“puffs”) in France

Publication and handover of a joint position paper to Parliamentary State Secretary Dr. Bettina Hoffmann

A new form of pollution is conquering the Swiss environment and creating challenges for waste management: disposable e-cigarettes.

EU negotiators reached a provisional deal on a bill that aims to reduce waste and bolster the repair sector by making product repairs more accessible and cost-effective.

Plan E campaign provides information on correct disposal – collection volume and recycling must increase

Located at Stellantis’ Mirafiori Complex, the SUSTAINera Circular Economy Hub starts up with engine, gearbox, and high-voltage EV battery remanufacturing, vehicle reconditioning and dismantling, with additional activities to be added

The past October 10th Governor Newsom signed the bill SB 244, the right- to repair legislation for consumer electronics

At the end of July, the EU Commission published its delegated act to concretise the taxonomy regulation which was approved in principle at the middle of the same month.

The regulation will regulate the entire life cycle of batteries – from production to reuse and recycling – and ensure that they are safe, sustainable and competitive.