The figures from the new joint study by ASA, BDE, bvse, CMA, and VKU are alarming: Between 2021 and 2025, the number of fires at German recycling facilities has nearly tripled.
More than half of all facilities are now affected by fires or dangerous hotspots.
The hard facts from the study (181 facilities surveyed)
• Economic damage: Damage caused by batteries totaled between 200 and 320 million euros (and up to 400 million euros for the economy as a whole).
• Main cause: About 73% of known fire causes can now be directly attributed to improperly disposed-of lithium-ion batteries.
• Danger zone: Nearly half of all fires occur before the actual sorting process—that is, during collection, transport, or in the waste bunker, where the facilities’ technical fire suppression systems are largely ineffective.
Positions are hardening
The roundtable organized by the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV), which concluded on October 6, 2026, has left waste management companies dissatisfied. The associations criticize the government’s focus on mere “reviews and awareness-raising measures” as insufficient.
They are calling for a clear timeline, a ban on single-use e-cigarettes, and a manufacturer-funded prevention and compensation fund to help cover the immense follow-up costs for fire safety and skyrocketing insurance premiums.
What Can We Do?
• Manufacturers & Retailers: Anyone who places batteries or battery-powered devices on the market should establish clear procedures for registration, labeling, and take-back programs.
• Consumers: Batteries and old devices should never be disposed of with regular trash!
They can be dropped off at your local recycling center or directly at a retailer.
Good to know:
Retailers are required to accept used batteries and small electrical appliances (under 25 cm) free of charge, even without the purchase of a new item.
For loose rechargeable batteries, always cover the contacts with tape before dropping them off!
Contact us for comprehensive compliance consulting on electrical equipment, batteries, packaging, and PV panels – and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on laws and trends.
www.ecopv-eu.com/en/contact/ | 
E-Mail: info@ecopv-eu.com
Supported over 20,000 customers with EPR compliance
Rated 5.0 on Google
Contact
We look forward to your message!
