Battery recycling Anyone handing in damaged batteries will be asked to pay again

From (today) Monday, retailers will be able to charge the additional costs for the disposal of severely damaged batteries. In addition, a provision will be introduced to refund the advance disposal fee when exporting batteries.

According to the Federal Council, the revision of the Ordinance on Chemical Risk Reduction (ORRChem) will provide companies with greater legal certainty. In view of the increasing volume of batteries for electric cars, uniform implementation of the ordinance is to be ensured.

In Switzerland, there is a legal obligation for all consumers to return batteries and an obligation for all sellers of batteries to take them back.

The law distinguishes between portable, automotive and industrial batteries. Rechargeable batteries also count as batteries. All types of batteries are considered hazardous waste in this country and must be handed over separately for disposal.

Reuse valuable raw materials

According to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), almost 165 million batteries are sold in Switzerland every year. Most of these are recycled. Nevertheless, according to the Federal Office, too many batteries still end up in household waste, which means that valuable raw materials are lost.

Batteries consist of raw materials such as lead, iron, cobalt, graphite, copper, aluminum, lithium, nickel, manganese and zinc. According to the FOEN, harmful heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury are only present in trace amounts thanks to very strict limits.

The extraction of raw materials from natural deposits has a negative impact on the environment. If consumers recycle their batteries, fewer new raw materials have to be extracted and the resources remain in closed material and energy cycles wherever possible - in line with the circular economy.