Why this market is moving now
- Recycling efficiency of 65% for lithium-based batteries applied from 31 December 2025.
- Lithium recovery of 50% and cobalt recovery of 90% must be met by 31 December 2027.
- On 11 September 2026 the Commission said the recycling targets remain fit for purpose.
- Binding minimum recycled content applies to EV batteries from 18 August 2031.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| From 18 August 2031, EV batteries must contain at least 16% recycled cobalt, 85% recycled lead, 6% recycled lithium and 6% recycled nickel in active materials. | 16 % recycled cobalt minimum (6% lithium, 6% nickel, 85% lead) | 2031 | EUR-Lex |
| From 18 August 2036 the minimum recycled content in EV batteries rises to 26% cobalt, 12% lithium and 15% nickel (lead stays at 85%). | 26 % recycled cobalt minimum (12% lithium, 15% nickel) | 2036 | EUR-Lex |
| Recyclers must reach a 65% recycling efficiency for lithium-based batteries by 31 December 2025, rising to 70% by 31 December 2030. | 65 % recycling efficiency by end-2025 (70% by end-2030) | 2025 | EUR-Lex |
| Recyclers must recover 50% of lithium by 31 December 2027, and 80% by 31 December 2031. | 50 % lithium recovery by end-2027 (80% by end-2031) | 2027 | EUR-Lex |
| Recyclers must recover 90% of cobalt, copper, lead and nickel by 31 December 2027, rising to 95% for cobalt and copper by 31 December 2031. | 90 % cobalt recovery by end-2027 (95% by end-2031) | 2027 | EUR-Lex |
| Producers must collect 63% of portable batteries by 31 December 2027 and 73% by 31 December 2030. | 63 % portable battery collection target by end-2027 (73% by end-2030) | 2027 | EUR-Lex |
| The European Commission found on 11 September 2026 that the battery recycling efficiency and material recovery targets remain fit for purpose; the next assessment is due by 18 August 2031. | 2031 year of next target assessment (by 18 August 2031) | 2026 | European Commission, DG Environment |
| Fraunhofer data cited by WWF show Europe is targeting 400,000 tonnes a year of lithium-ion battery recycling capacity by 2026 (existing and announced sites as of July 2025). | 400,000 tonnes per year (targeted by 2026, Europe) | 2026 | WWF Germany |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- EUR-Lex: Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 concerning batteries and waste batteries (2023-07-12)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
(a) 16 % cobalt; (b) 85 % lead; (c) 6 % lithium; (d) 6 % nickel.
- Figure 2
(a) 26 % cobalt; (b) 85 % lead; (c) 12 % lithium; (d) 15 % nickel.
- Figure 3
recycling of 65 % by average weight of lithium-based batteries;
- Figure 4
50 % for lithium;
- Figure 5
90 % for cobalt;
- Figure 6
63 % by 31 December 2027;
- Figure 1
- European Commission, DG Environment: Waste Batteries: Commission finds recycling targets remain fit for purpose (2026-09-11)
Quoted lines
- Figure 7
by 18 August 2031 at the latest.
- Figure 7
- WWF Germany: Mining, Recycling and Trust: Chances and Challenges for a Resilient EU Battery Supply Chain (2026-03)
Quoted lines
- Figure 8
400,000 t RECYCLING CAPACITIES PER YEAR BY 2026 FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES IN EUROPE ARE TARGETED
- Figure 8
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the European Union market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
Every assumption and source, listed
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Frequently asked questions
What recycled content will EU EV batteries need?
From 18 August 2031, EU Regulation 2023/1542 sets minimums of 16% cobalt, 6% lithium and 6% nickel recycled content, rising to 26%, 12% and 15% from 18 August 2036.
What recycling efficiency must lithium-ion batteries reach?
The regulation sets 65% by average weight by 31 December 2025 and 70% by 31 December 2030 for lithium-based batteries.
How much lithium and cobalt must recyclers recover?
By 31 December 2027, 50% of lithium and 90% of cobalt. By 31 December 2031, lithium recovery must reach 80% and cobalt 95%.
Will the EU change the recycling targets?
On 11 September 2026 the European Commission said the targets remain fit for purpose. The next assessment is due by 18 August 2031.
How much battery recycling capacity does Europe have?
WWF, citing Fraunhofer, says Europe targets 400,000 tonnes a year of lithium-ion recycling capacity by 2026, including announced sites. Installed capacity alone was not stated.
What are the battery collection targets?
For portable batteries, producers must collect 63% by 31 December 2027 and 73% by 31 December 2030.
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