The rules that apply in Japan
Japan relies on manufacturer-led take-back. Small rechargeable batteries are collected through an industry scheme, and lithium-ion batteries removed from end-of-life vehicles are recovered through programmes run by automakers within the vehicle recycling system. Processors need waste management licences from prefectural governments.
Early hybrid and EV fleets make Japan one of the most mature markets for pack reuse, with established second-life storage projects.
What producers and holders must do
Producer responsibility follows whoever placed the battery on the market, but the practical burden often lands on the fleet or workshop holding the retired asset.
- Route packs from end-of-life vehicles through the automaker take-back network
- Use processors licensed by the prefecture
- Keep transfer records under the vehicle recycling system
- Follow export controls for battery waste under Basel implementation law
Local permitting around Yokohama, Kanagawa
The works operates under Japanese waste and recycling laws, including the rules for end-of-life vehicle recycling. Transport follows Japanese dangerous goods regulations.
The document set
Lithium-ion batteries move as dangerous goods under national road and marine rules, with UN 3480 / UN 3481 packaging. Each consignment carries a dangerous goods declaration, a transporter authorisation, a weighbridge record and a chain-of-custody sheet.
| Document | When | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous goods declaration | Before pickup | UN 3480 / UN 3481 classification and damage status |
| Chain-of-custody sheet | At handover | Links serials to transporter and destination |
| Weighbridge record | At gate-in | Verified mass for certificates and settlement |
| Recovery certificate | After processing | Quantity, recovery per metal and downstream vendors |
Booking a collection in the Yokohama, Kanagawa catchment
These site-specific notes help collections run on time.
- Provide serial lists and vehicle information.
- Engineering packs need architecture details.
- Damaged packs require declaration.
- Port-linked shipments need documents in advance.