In Finland, the collection and recycling of batteries has been effectively implemented through producer responsibility systems, and the requirements of the current legislation are well met. Chapter 8 of the battery regulation, entering into force in August 2025, will gradually tighten collection and recycling requirements and introduce obligations for the use of recycled materials in the production of new batteries.
Producer organisations annually compile data on batteries placed on the market, collected, and recycled, and submit this information to the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre. The ELY Centre then compiles national statistics and reports them to the European Commission.
Separate collection targets
Current legislation requires that at least 45% of portable batteries be collected separately from other waste for recycling. The target is based on the average amount placed on the market during the previous three years.
In 2024, 3,480 tonnes of portable batteries were placed on the Finnish market, and nearly 2,000 tonnes were collected as waste. This corresponds to a collection rate of approximately 50%, which exceeds the minimum requirement. In 2022, only 13 EU member states met the target.
No specific collection target exists for industrial or automotive batteries, but producers must ensure that all batteries returned to collection points are recycled.
Recycling targets
Lead battery recycling has remained strong in Finland. In 2024, 23,000 tonnes were collected, with a recycling efficiency of 71%. The recycling rate for the lead content of these batteries was as high as 94.2%. The current requirement level (65%) has been met annually. Currently, lead batteries are delivered to four recycling facilities located within the EU.
Portable batteries are sorted in Finland and sent either after crushing or intact to specialised treatment facilities in Finland and elsewhere in Europe. For nickel-cadmium batteries, 80% is recycled, and for other batteries, such as lithium and alkaline batteries, at least 50%. These legislative requirements have been met annually.
Collection and recycling targets will tighten
In the coming years, separate collection targets will become stricter. According to the battery regulation, the collection rate for portable batteries must rise to 65% by 2027 and to 73% by 2030. A collection target of 51% will apply to light means of transport, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, by the end of 2028, increasing to 61% by 2031. This reflects the growing need for more responsible material circulation.
Efficiency requirements for recycling facilities will also tighten. By 2026, the recycling efficiency for lithium-ion batteries must reach 75%. By the end of 2027, 90% of cobalt, copper, lead, and nickel and 50% of lithium must be recovered from collected batteries. Both overall recycling rates and material-specific recovery requirements will continue to increase by 2030.
Markets for recycled raw materials will strengthen
The new regulation focuses not only on collection volumes but also on the sustainable use of raw materials. From 2031 onward, new batteries must contain at least the following proportions of recycled materials: cobalt 16%, lead 85%, and lithium and nickel 6%. The requirements for cobalt, lithium, and nickel will increase further by 2036.
Circular economy becomes reality through collaboration
Finland’s long experience and established producer responsibility model provide a strong foundation for meeting the tightening requirements. However, the transition will require even closer cooperation between consumers, producers, waste management operators, and authorities to ensure a circular economy throughout the battery life cycle.
Consumer contribution is crucial in reaching the collection targets: the more batteries are returned properly, the easier it will be for Finland to meet the stricter requirements. Taking batteries to collection points is a small action with a big impact on sustainable development and material efficiency. From August 2025, the battery regulation requires end-users to separately sort and return used batteries to collection points.
Explore the recycling calculator
Member companies of Akkukierrätys Pb and Recser can use the recycling calculator to calculate their company-specific collection and recycling results. The calculator provides concrete data that can be used, for example, in communication with customers and stakeholders. Download the user guide (in Finnish) for the calculator.
Read more
Statistics: Statistics – Paristokierrätys and Tilastot – Akkukierrätys Pb Oy
Recycling process: Recycling process – Paristokierrätys and Recycling process – Paristokierrätys
Stay up to date with the progress and content of the Battery Regulation
As the producer organisations, it is important for us to remain up-to-date and share information on how the content of the EU’s Battery Regulation will affect the responsibility of producers of batteries and accumulators in particular.