From 1 July 2026, retailers and producers in Germany must take back used e-cigarettes free of charge. This increases their responsibility for lithium batteries.The new rule responds to the growing number of fires caused by batteries that are incorrectly disposed of. The WWF is calling for a nationwide deposit system for lithium batteries and a ban on single-use e-cigarettes.
The need for action is clear. In 2024, almost 18,000 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries and more than 2,300 tonnes of single-use lithium batteries were placed on the German market. Many are not recycled correctly. This wastes valuable raw materials and creates safety risks. The EU aims to achieve a 50% lithium recycling rate by 2028.
Will take-back and deposit systems expand?
Prominent industry associations are calling for EU-wide rules covering take-back and deposit systems, stronger producer responsibility and better collection incentives. They also oppose products with unnecessarily built-in lithium batteries, such as disposable e-cigarettes. For companies, the new take-back rule may be only the first step. Whether better collection will be enough or further product bans will follow remains a political issue. VERE e.V. continues to monitor the debate. The association has long opposed a battery deposit system, as stated in previous publications and the 2019 Christmas Newsletter.
VERE e.V. stays in contact with the relevant stakeholders and keeps its members informed of further developments via the “VERE Insider”.
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