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The classification of batteries and accumulators

According to current legislation, batteries and accumulators are divided into different categories based on their primary intended purpose. Recser Oy has also assigned batteries separate internal sub-classes based on their weight.

Classification in legislation

In legislation, batteries and accumulators are divided into three classes:

1. Portable batteries and accumulator
2. Industrial batteries and accumulators
3. Automotive batteries and accumulators

The primary intended purpose of the batteries and accumulators is the deciding factor in their classification. Additionally, the Batteries Directive provides a list of examples of batteries and accumulators that are to be deemed industrial. For example, all batteries and accumulators used for powering electric means of transportation are classified in legislation as industrial batteries or accumulators even if they are small-sized and sold directly to consumers. The authority supervising producer responsibilities has published its own classification instructions.

Recser Oy’s internal classification

Recser Oy has further assigned batteries and accumulators separate sub-classes based on their weight. In practice, the producer responsibility for all batteries and accumulators that are under 25 kilos in weight can be handled through Recser Oy, regardless of their intended purpose.

When it comes to large industrial accumulators that weigh over 25 kilos, the producer responsibility can be partially transferred over to Recser, meaning that you can register as a producer and fulfil your reporting obligations to the responsible authority through us. The producer is responsible for organising the reception of large industrial accumulators and other waste management. 

You can take care of your producer responsibility fully or in part through Recser Oy for the following batteries and accumulators: 

1. Portable batteries and accumulators
   A portable battery or accumulator refers to a battery, accumulator or battery unit that is sealed, can be carried manually and is not an industrial or automotive battery or accumulator. (Government Decree 520/2014, section 2, subsection 1, paragraph 4). Examples of portable batteries include AA and AAA batteries and the batteries and accumulators used in mobile phones, laptops, toys, cordless tools and electric toothbrushes.
2. Portable industrial batteries and accumulators
   A portable industrial battery or accumulator refers to an industrial battery or accumulator, within the meaning of the Government Decree on batteries and accumulators (Government Decree 520/2014, section 2, subsection 1, paragraph 7), the size of which allows for easy manual carrying. Portable industrial batteries and accumulators include those designed exclusively for industrial and professional use, as well as batteries and accumulators sold to consumers. Examples of portable industrial accumulators include accumulators used in electric means of transport, such as electric bicycles, electric scooters and self-balancing unicycles (excluding traction batteries of electric motorbikes), as well as accumulators under 25 kilos in weight used to store energy and for leisure purposes.
3. Portable lithium automotive batteries and accumulators
   A portable lithium automotive battery or accumulator refers to a lithium-based automotive battery or accumulator, within the meaning of the Government Decree on batteries and accumulators (Government Decree 520/2014, section 2, subsection 1, paragraph 6), that is sealed and the size of which allows for easy manual carrying. Automotive batteries and accumulators include those used for automotive starter, lighting or ignition power. Examples of portable lithium automotive accumulators include the starter batteries of mopeds, motorcycles, cars, ATVs, scooters and ride-on lawn mowers.
   

You can take care of your producer responsibility in part through Recser Oy for the following batteries and accumulators:

1. Large industrial accumulators
   A large industrial battery or accumulator refers to a battery or accumulator that weighs over 25 kilos and is exclusively designed for industrial and professional use, within the meaning of the Government Decree on batteries and accumulators (Government Decree 520/2014, section 2, subsection 1, paragraph 7), the size of which does not allow for easy manual carrying. In this context, large industrial batteries and accumulators do not refer to the accumulators of electric vehicles, such as electric and hybrid cars, in which the accumulator is integrated into the device and not intended for the end user to remove at any point. Examples of large industrial accumulators include, but are not limited to batteries and accumulators used for emergency or back-up power in hospitals, airports or offices, batteries and accumulators used in trains and aircraft, forklift batteries and batteries and accumulators used on oil rigs at sea and in lighthouses. You can read more from here.

Additionally, the following battery and accumulator types have their own producer organisations:

1. Lead-based automotive batteries and accumulators
   Lead-based automotive batteries and accumulators are batteries and accumulators used for automotive starter, lighting or ignition power. The automotive lead-acid battery and accumulator producer organisation Akkukierrätys Pb takes care of recycling these products on behalf of producers. You can handle your producer responsibility for lead-acid vehicle accumulators and batteries through an agency agreement between Recser and Akkukierrätys Pb. Recser will transfer the recycling fees for industrial and vehicle lead-acid accumulators and submit the related information to Akkukierrätys Pb.
2. Traction batteries of electric cars
   Traction batteries of electric cars refer to the energy reserve needed for operating an electric or hybrid vehicle, including cars, vans, trucks and buses. Traction batteries also include auxiliary batteries, meaning the energy reserve needed for operating the auxiliaries of electric or hybrid vehicles. Finnish Car Recycling Ltd has been approved as a producer organisation for the traction batteries of electric vehicles.  

You can take care of your producer responsibility for other batteries and accumulators by submitting an application to the producer register or by establishing a producer organisation together with other producers. Read more on the ELY Centre’s website.