Batteries: EU Exploring Deposit Return Systems

The European Commission has launched a study to assess the feasibility of introducing deposit return systems (DRS) for batteries, as required under the EU Batteries Regulation.

The study, led by Öko-Institut and Ramboll, will evaluate potential benefits, design options, and practical implementation challenges, with a Commission report expected by the end of 2027.

Timeline and stakeholder engagement

• First stakeholder workshop held on 28 April
• Written feedback open until 26 May 2026
• Draft report expected late August
• Further consultation in September and October, ahead of the final report

Initial findings suggest that DRS could help increase collection rates, particularly for lithium-based batteries, and address safety concerns such as fire risks in waste streams. Two main approaches are currently being assessed: retailer-based systems for light means of transport batteries, such as e-bike batteries, and a broader industry-wide DRS for portable batteries, potentially focused on batteries with elevated fire risks.

At the same time, the analysis points to challenges related to system design, including administrative complexity, costs, safety requirements and the interaction with existing extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. Feedback from stakeholders highlights ongoing concerns regarding feasibility, in particular regarding system costs, operational complexity, exacerbated safety concerns, data availability and the interaction with existing collection systems.

These aspects are expected to be further examined in the next phase of the study.