EU proposes to bring back smartphones with removable batteries!

A few days ago, the European Parliament voted in favor of making batteries more sustainable by making them removable and replaceable. 

File photo: MyPhone My32

For reduced e-waste and longer lifespan of devices in Europe

According to Right to Repair, the institution expressed itself in favor of the return of removable batteries on mobile devices. Allegedly, the aim of this proposal is to extend the lifetime of electronic products sold in Europe.

In 2020, the European Union had already considered requiring manufacturers to return to removable batteries. It had written a draft bill with the goal of cutting the amount of electronic waste.

In a report, the Parliament recommends that the battery of "all consumer electronic devices and light means of transport" should be easily replaceable. It means that the institution's decision won't only affect the smartphone makers.

Allegedly, manufacturers use lithium batteries in almost everything from smartphones to scooters, electric cars, and energy storage for smart grids.  These batteries can be replaced when they fail, hence products can last for longer and avoid unnecessary waste.

The Parliament report also says that the batteries for consumer electronics should be available as spare parts for a minimum of 10 years after the last model was available on the market.

The coalition explained that the proposal will take a long time before being implemented. To execute it, the Parliament will have to negotiate with the European Council, the institution which brings together the Heads of State or Heads of Government of the twenty-seven Member States of the European Union.

If things will turned out in favor of the EU's proposal this year, the force measure allegedly will take place in 2024. The institution plans to give manufacturers 12 to 24 months to comply with the legislation.

Any thoughts on this issue?

Source: Right to Repair