Why did the European Union mandate the use of replaceable batteries in smartphones?

The European Union has passed a new law that requires all smartphones to use replaceable batteries.

The union has agreed to enforce the law until 2027, which could have ramifications for major smartphone makers like Apple, Google and Samsung.

Currently, most phones on the market have integrated, non-replaceable batteries. Using these types of batteries is useful for waterproofing the phone and increases its durability.

However, integrated batteries can be very problematic if they fail. Removing these types of batteries is so difficult that it can damage the phone. Also, in order to access these batteries, you need special tools that you must visit authorized repair shops. On the other hand, unauthorized repair of these types of batteries may invalidate your phone’s warranty.

In addition to making it easier to repair smartphone batteries, the new EU law will also improve the environment and will lead to better recovery of materials and better collection of battery waste.

According to this law, manufacturers must collect about 63 percent of battery waste by the end of 2027, and by 2030, this number must reach 73 percent.

Also, manufacturers must recycle about 50% of lithium from waste batteries by the end of 2027, and this number must increase to 80% by the end of 2031.

On the other hand, the recycling efficiency for nickel-cadmium batteries should be 80% and 50% for other types of waste batteries by the end of 2025.

Also, portable batteries must be made from minimally recycled materials, including 16% for cobalt, 85% for lead, 6% for lithium, and 6% for nickel.

Overall, it seems that the use of replaceable batteries will bring about changes in the design of smartphones and will help to preserve the environment.

Source: Makeuseof