FAQ

Yes, it is possible to recycle these batteries. It is regulated by the amended Law of 19 December 2008 on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators, which enacts European Directive 2006/66/EC into Luxembourg law. This directive requires at least 50% of the weight of batteries other than lead-acid and nickel-cadmium types, i.e. lithium-ion batteries, to be recycled.

The components that are currently most attractive for recycling are cobalt, nickel, copper and aluminium. In the medium term, the lithium recycling rate should improve to ensure supply.

For more information or instructions relating to the recycling of these batteries, which are considered to be industrial accumulators, please contact either SuperDrecksKëscht or the Ecobatterien asbl association.

To assess the environmental impact of batteries, it is necessary to take into account the rare and partly at-risk resources (lead, lithium, etc.) consumed, their origins and the mix of electricity used in the production of the batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are made of cobalt, nickel, copper, aluminium and lithium, as well as other materials. Among these materials, the availability of lithium in particular is a hot topic. Over the short term, reserves are sufficient to guarantee the manufacture of the batteries; nevertheless, it will be necessary to improve the recycling capacity of lithium to ensure supply over the medium term.

Analysis of the environmental impact of these batteries is currently a major topic of research. Although there have already been positive developments in terms of cost effectiveness, performance and the environmental impact of batteries, they are still under intense development and significant progress is expected in the near future.