In a major step towards advancing the circular economy, the European Commission has revised the EU List of Waste to introduce new codes for battery-related waste. The update reflects the growing importance of batteries in the green and digital transitions and aims to ensure better management of critical raw materials. A key feature of the revision is the new classification of 'black mass' – a valuable intermediate product from battery recycling – as hazardous waste. This move is expected to limit exports to non-OECD countries and encourage recycling operations within the EU, promoting both environmental protection and supply chain resilience.
The updated list also includes specific codes for different battery chemistries and waste types, ranging from manufacturing scraps to post-consumer batteries and intermediate recycling fractions. This modernisation supports the implementation of the new Batteries Regulation and responds to technological advances in battery design.
The changes will take effect 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless objected to by the European Parliament or Council. The update sends a strong signal of the EU’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and circularity in the chemicals and battery value chains.