EU legislation on waste batteries is included here Battery Directive. It seeks to contribute to the protection, preservation and improvement of the quality of the environment by minimizing the negative effects of batteries and accumulators and spent batteries and accumulators. It also ensures the proper functioning of the internal market by harmonizing the requirements for the placing on the market of batteries and accumulators. With some exceptions, it applies to all batteries and accumulators, regardless of their chemical nature, size or construction.

To achieve these objectives, the Directive prohibits the marketing of batteries containing certain hazardous substances, sets out measures to establish systems for high collection and recycling rates, and sets targets for collection and recycling activities. The directive also contains provisions on the labeling of batteries and their detachability from devices.

It also aims to improve the level of environmental protection of all actors involved in the life cycle of batteries and accumulators, such as producers, distributors and end-users, and in particular those directly involved in the treatment and recycling of waste batteries and accumulators. Manufacturers of batteries and accumulators and other products containing batteries or accumulators are responsible for the management of the batteries and accumulators they place on the market.