As Euwid reports, the premature end of the traffic light government is jeopardising several planned waste law reforms. The Battery Implementation Act (BattDG) and the amendment to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) are particularly affected.
BattDG: Urgent adjustments to EU Batteries Regulation
The BattDG is intended to transpose the requirements of the EU Batteries Regulation into German law in order to guarantee both European and national regulations from August 2025. The law is crucial to ensure an orderly transition phase for the take-back and recycling of waste batteries. Without timely adoption, there is a risk of uncertainty as to which EU regulations will apply directly and which German regulations will continue to apply.
Take-back systems are also calling for timely implementation, as otherwise there is a risk of considerable disruption to battery take-back. They are also calling for a joint body for the battery industry, similar to the Packaging Act and the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act, in order to pool responsibility and avoid bureaucracy.
ElektroG: Opportunities for finalisation, but disposable e-cigarettes a point of contention
The Federal Ministry for the Environment believes there is a chance of finalising the legislative process for the ElektroG in good time. However, one of the Bundesrat's key demands for a ban on disposable e-cigarettes remains controversial. While environmental organisations and disposal companies warn of the risks of improper disposal, the ministry sees no clear scientific link to fires in disposal facilities.
Conclusion
The success of both legislative proposals depends on the remaining time available and political consensus. A delay could not only hinder national regulations, but also jeopardise the implementation of European requirements - with significant consequences for the circular economy, the take-back systems and, above all, the sellers, producers and importers affected.
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