401220P

(a) Role of end-users in waste prevention

Rechargeable batteries prevent waste when they are used for their full service life. Charge this lithium-ion polymer battery only with a charger designed for it, avoid deep discharge and long storage in a fully charged or fully discharged state, and protect it from heat and mechanical damage. Prefer rechargeable batteries over single-use (primary) batteries, and repair a device or replace its battery where possible instead of discarding the whole device.

(b) Role of end-users in separate collection (Article 64)

End-users must dispose of waste batteries separately from other waste, including mixed municipal waste. Waste portable batteries may be returned free of charge to designated collection points, without any obligation to purchase a new battery. Separate collection ensures that valuable materials contained in the battery, such as lithium, cobalt and copper, can be recovered and recycled and that hazardous substances are treated safely.

(c) Separate collection, take-back and collection points, preparation for reuse, repurposing and treatment

Waste portable batteries are collected through municipal collection points, retailer take-back schemes and producer compliance schemes. Retailers that sell portable batteries take back waste portable batteries free of charge. Collected batteries are sent to permitted treatment facilities, where they are sorted and prepared for recycling; where a battery is still suitable, it may be prepared for reuse or repurposing for another application. Built-in batteries should be removed from waste electrical and electronic equipment before the equipment is treated, where this can be done safely.

(d) Safety instructions for handling waste batteries

Tape over the terminals of a waste battery, or keep it in its original packaging, to prevent short circuits. Store waste batteries dry, at room temperature, out of the reach of children and away from flammable materials. Do not dismantle, crush, puncture or burn a waste battery. Damaged, swollen or leaking batteries must be handled with care, placed in a non-flammable container and taken to a collection point as soon as possible.

(e) Meaning of labels and symbols (Article 13)

Crossed-out wheeled bin symbol: The battery must not be disposed of with unsorted municipal (household) waste. It must be collected separately and handed in at a designated collection point.

CE marking: The CE marking indicates that the battery meets the applicable requirements of EU harmonisation legislation, including Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on batteries and waste batteries, and that the manufacturer has completed the applicable conformity assessment procedure.

(f) Impact of substances on the environment and human health

This battery contains substances which, if released, can harm the environment and human health. Lithium-ion polymer cells contain lithium salts, flammable organic electrolytes and metals such as cobalt, nickel and copper. If waste batteries are landfilled or disposed of with household waste, these substances can contaminate soil and water, and damaged cells can ignite waste during collection and treatment. Disposing of batteries separately and recycling them prevents this pollution and returns critical raw materials to the production cycle.