Mr. Olechiw introduced the topic using document EVE-12-14e and by reviewing the text of the EV Guide (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2014/81). The group was reminded that, as the EV Guide states, battery recycling is not under the mandate of WP.29, but battery recyclability issues could be considered. Japan informed the group they do not support recycling or recyclability issues for discussion in the WP.29 forum.

A scope of work for the topic area was not presented; Mr. Klaus Putzhammer (OICA/Adam Opel AG) presented on “Regulation and Recycling and Recyclability”, with a focus on European legislation (EVE-12-09e). There was an emphasis on the capability of current battery recycling practices, which some in the group believed then meant that investigating battery recyclability was not required. Mr. Olechiw suggested that there could be some benefit from sharing the European Commission’s successful legislative battery recyclability practices with those worldwide.

Mr. Olechiw requested the group revisit this decision on Day 2 of the meeting under agenda item 9 and no party/organization volunteered to lead the topic.

Mr. Olechiw reviewed the discussion of EV battery recycling and recyclability from the EVE-12 meeting, during which Mr. Klaus Putzhammer presented on “Regulation on Recycling and Recyclability”, with a focus on European legislation (EVE-12-09e). During this discussion there was an emphasis on the capability of current battery recycling practices, which some in the group believed meant that investigating battery recyclability was not required. Mr. Olechiw suggested that there could be some benefit from sharing the European Commission’s successful legislative battery recyclability practices with those worldwide. Although there is currently no lead for this topic, Mr. Olechiw recommended it stay on the agenda in case contracting parties and/or stakeholders wished to present information in the future.

ACTION 8: Any interested parties and/or stakeholders wishing to speak to the issue of battery recyclability at future EVE meetings should inform the EVE Secretary ahead of the meeting so they can be added to the agenda.