EU Votes to Bring Back Removable Batteries in Phones and Appliances

The European Union has voted to bring back removable batteries in phones and appliances. The vote, which took place on June 7, 2023, is a victory for environmental groups who have been campaigning for the change.

The current rules, which were introduced in 2009, require all phones and appliances to have non-removable batteries. This has made it difficult to recycle batteries, as they often end up in landfills.

The new rules, which are expected to come into force in 2024, will allow phones and appliances to have removable batteries, as long as they meet certain environmental standards. This will make it easier to recycle batteries and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

The vote is a significant victory for environmental groups, who have been campaigning for the change for many years. They argue that the current rules have made it difficult to recycle batteries and have led to an increase in waste.

The EU’s decision is likely to have a ripple effect around the world, as other countries may follow suit. This could lead to a significant reduction in the amount of battery waste that ends up in landfills.

To learn more about the EU’s decision, visit the [European Commission website](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/batteries/index_en.htm).