Marking

Symbol

In line with producers/importers of electrical equipment, producer and importers of batteries and accumulators must mark their products with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol. This symbol indicates that the product must not be discarded together with ordinary household waste and must be treated separately.

Heavy metal content

All batteries and accumulators containing heavy metal above certain limit values must be marked with the chemical symbol for mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), respectively.

Capacity marking

In future batteries and accumulators must be marked with their capacity. The purpose of capacity marking is to make it easier to select the right battery for a specific end-user need and thereby reduce waste arisings thanks to the longer useful life of batteries. Work is ongoing in the EU Commission to establish a standardised method for capacity measurement.

Information for end-users

Sales and information materials must inform of the meaning of the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol and where the end-user can discard his waste batteries and accumulators.