Draft Law Amending the Waste Act (676 SE) – First Reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th session, plenary session
Date: 2025-09-23 13:45
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 64
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 31m
AI Summaries: 64/64 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the first reading of Bill 676, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Waste Act. Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis introduced the bill, the main objective of which is to transpose the requirements of the European Union Battery Regulation into Estonian law. The regulation covers all batteries and accumulators, ranging from small ones to those used in electric cars and large energy storage systems, aiming for more environmentally friendly production, durability, and material recycling. Key changes highlighted included the requirement for a digital product passport for batteries (containing data on origin and handling) and the obligation to ensure battery replaceability in devices starting from 2027. The bill is largely technical, removing duplicate provisions, but the substantive change concerns producer responsibility: henceforth, all importers of batteries for electric vehicles, light personal transport devices, and industrial use must also join the producers' association to prevent waste management costs from falling upon the state.
A lively discussion arose during the debate regarding costs and consumer rights. Kalle Grünthal expressed concern that the new regulation might limit the consumer's right to remove and repair batteries themselves, thereby serving the interests of large manufacturers. Minister Leis clarified that the regulation itself does not prohibit repair, but the complexity of removing batteries is rather a technical issue. Mart Maastik and Henn Põlluaas doubted the Minister's claim that the new obligations (e.g., the battery passport) would not lead to increased bureaucracy or costs for the consumer. The Minister confirmed that the obligation for the battery passport rests with the producer, and according to the European Union's impact assessment, the price of small batteries will increase by 0.5–2 euros, which will be factored into the product price. Yoko Alender, Chairman of the Environment Committee, confirmed that the system ensures free handling of all batteries for the consumer, and the collection network is already largely in place.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 676 has concluded.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for October 7th at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
Kalle Grünthal was the most active speaker, raising questions concerning both the substance of the draft bill (the issue of DIY repair and manufacturer monopolies) and the procedural organization of the Riigikogu. His questions were critical, focusing on consumer interests and the transfer of costs.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi opened the second item on the agenda, which was the first reading of draft act 676 on amendments to the Waste Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic, and asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Kuldar Leis, to introduce the bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that they had reached the second item on the agenda, initiating the first reading of Draft Act 676 concerning amendments to the Waste Act, and invited Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis to the podium.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis introduced a draft amendment to the Waste Act, which transposes the requirements of the European Union Battery Regulation into Estonian law. This regulation sets uniform rules for the environmentally sustainable production, durability, and material recycling of batteries, requiring, among other things, a digital product passport and ensuring battery replaceability starting from 2027. While the draft primarily introduces technical amendments for the sake of legal clarity, it essentially obligates all importers of batteries and accumulators—including manufacturers of electric vehicles and industrial batteries—to join a producer organization to ensure the responsible collection and handling of battery waste throughout its entire lifecycle.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
The proposal to amend the Waste Act transposes the European Union Battery Regulation into Estonian law and establishes a digital product passport and a producers' association, increasing responsibility throughout the entire battery lifecycle, ensuring recycling and the availability of spare parts, and, starting from 2027, battery replaceability in all devices and vehicles containing batteries.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speaker thanks the audience and invites Kalle Grünthal to ask one question.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal argues that the current regulation—which requires that battery and accumulator waste be easily removable from electronic devices—limits DIY repairs, likely favors the emergence of manufacturer monopolies, and is not in the interest of the Estonian people, which is why its application in law should be reconsidered altogether.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal argues that the proposed regulation, which complicates the removal of spent batteries and accumulator waste from electronic devices, exclusively serves the interests of manufacturers by creating a repair monopoly for them. He further stresses that such an amendment restricts the right of the Estonian people to repair devices themselves and should therefore not be incorporated into our legislation in this form.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
He said that batteries or accumulators can be repaired at home so they can be used again, and this kind of home repair activity is an everyday occurrence.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis explains that if a person is able to repair their device (e.g., a battery or accumulator) themselves at home and continue using it, this does not fall under the return obligation, as it is a standard everyday activity, whether it is DIY or done at the spouse’s command.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi humorously comments on the complexity of repairing batteries at home, calling it "quite a serious challenge," and then hands the floor over to Madis Kallas.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi said that repairing batteries at home is a pretty serious challenge, and he called Madis Kallas.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas asks whether these changes primarily result from the European Union's new requirements for handling batteries and accumulators, or from Estonia's own practice and vision, or whether they are mainly EU guidelines.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas is inquiring of the minister whether the proposed amendments regarding the handling of batteries and accumulators are primarily the result of new European Union requirements, or if they also take into account Estonia's domestic practice and perspective.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis clarified that while the collection system for small batteries (up to 5 kg) is already operational in Estonia, there are plans to establish a system, based on pan-European regulations, for collecting larger batteries—such as those used in electric vehicles—without creating additional bureaucracy for manufacturers.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis said that a system for accepting small batteries already operates in Estonia, but a collection system for larger batteries will be established, and the same rules will be implemented across Europe without additional bureaucracy.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Peeter Ernits.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits expresses concern over the exceptionally rapid implementation in Estonia (starting January 1st) of European Union Regulation No. 1542, which was only adopted a month ago. He stresses that regulations are stricter and mandatory compared to directives, and questions whether such speed, while commendable in itself, might not lead to future problems or fines for the state.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits notes that European Regulation 1542 is stricter than previous directives; it was adopted recently and will be implemented starting January 1st. There are no further discussions, and while the speed is commendable, the rapid implementation raises questions.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis said that Estonia already has a functioning system for collecting small batteries, and now the country is officially adopting the rules for larger batteries—including electric vehicle batteries—at the European level, focusing on outreach and increased collection rates.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis confirmed that the collection system for small batteries is already established in Estonia, but with the adoption of the new European regulatory framework, official requirements will also be set for larger batteries, such as those used in electric vehicles, the return of which has been rare until now. He also stressed the necessity of informing the public about the option of dropping off batteries at waste collection points.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Kalle Grünthal to pose the second question.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal claims that the current standard allows users to replace the battery or accumulator themselves, but the new regulation would make this impossible for the user and would require servicing, which favors the interests of large manufacturers. He then asks why such a regulation should be complied with at all.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal criticizes the new regulation, which makes the independent replacement of batteries impossible by requiring a visit to a service center, and argues that this change directly serves the interests of large manufacturers, asking rhetorically why such a directly applicable norm must necessarily be complied with.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis stresses that the existing decree does not forbid the independent removal and repair of the battery, adding that instances where the battery must be replaced at a repair shop are caused by technical design choices, not the regulation itself.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stated that the regulation does not prohibit the self-removal and repair of the battery. However, in situations where the battery cannot be replaced by the user and a visit to a repair workshop is necessary, this specific issue is not related to the regulation and depends on technical capabilities.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Mart Maastik to speak.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik stresses that we must shift from green fantasies to realism, acknowledges the future challenges concerning batteries, and questions the scale of the bureaucracy and whether it entails additional costs.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik expresses skepticism towards the idealism of green utopias, stressing that batteries linked to renewable energy and electric vehicles will pose a significant problem in the future. He also calls into question the minister's claim about avoiding bureaucracy, asking exactly how many additional obligations and costs the requirement for a 'passport' for every single battery will actually introduce.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis emphasizes that the battery passport requirement is a positive change that will not create bureaucracy for Estonian consumers. Instead, it places responsibility on battery manufacturers, obligating them to disclose the battery's composition and properties, which in turn ensures consumer safety and facilitates future battery recycling.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stated that Estonia has very few battery and accumulator manufacturers, and the battery passport must involve the actual producer. This measure is intended not to create bureaucracy for consumers, but rather to increase the responsibility of manufacturers and accurately display the battery's composition and properties, thereby ensuring consumer safety and clarifying how the battery can be recycled and processed in the future.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Andrus Seeme to the stage.
Andrus Seeme
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrus Seeme considers the draft bill—which expands the nationwide collection network for battery and accumulator waste and will positively affect regional development—to be entirely welcome. However, he wants to know whether the existing collection points run by local municipalities will be integrated into the state system, or if a completely new, unified local government-based network will be established instead.
Andrus Seeme
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrus Seeme considers the draft bill highly positive, emphasizing the benefits for regional development and the expansion of the national network for collecting battery and accumulator waste. He also asks whether the existing local government collection points are compatible with the national network, or if a single, unified network based on local governments needs to be created.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis confirmed that every local municipality has waste stations where consumers can drop off hazardous waste, including various batteries, free of charge, emphasizing the importance of informing the public. In the future, producer responsibility organizations will also start organizing the further recycling of larger batteries within the European Union.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis said that every local government unit has waste stations where hazardous waste, including batteries, can be taken from home free of charge, and in the future, the producer responsibility organization must organize the further recycling of larger batteries within the European Union.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi, the Vice-Chairman, asks Mart Maastik to pose the second question.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asked Mart Maastik to proceed to the second item, giving him the floor.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik points out that while the requirement for battery labeling has been around for a long time, the new battery passport is needed to track accountability. However, he emphasizes that the consumer will ultimately have to pay for the supposedly free collection and disposal. Therefore, he is demanding calculations that would demonstrate the resulting increase in service costs for the public.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik expressed concern regarding the new passport requirement, battery tracking, and network expansion, stressing that collection is not free and that the consumer ultimately pays the entire cost of collection and disposal, and he asked whether the calculations show the resulting price increases for the consumer.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
The battery manufacturer covers all costs and factors them into its price, meaning the consumer does not incur a direct tax.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis emphasizes that the battery producer covers the recycling and other costs himself, factoring them into the final price of the product. This means that no direct, separate tax is added to the consumer; rather, it is a cost borne by the producer.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Henn Põlluaas to take the floor.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas argues that production costs are passed on to consumers, establishing a large-scale structure and managing recycling are expensive, and there is no clear cost-benefit analysis.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas sharply criticized the naive assumption that producers would absorb the costs, stressing that all expenses are invariably passed on to the consumer. Furthermore, he expressed outrage that there is a complete absence of any cost-benefit analysis—or even an inkling—regarding the expenses tied to creating and maintaining the sweeping recycling structure that is being cheerfully adopted in Europe and Estonia.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis confirmed that the necessary infrastructure (waste stations) is largely already in place and there is no need to create new large structures. He added that, according to the European Union impact assessment, the price of small batteries will rise by 0.5–2 euros, a cost which will be covered by the manufacturer by incorporating it into the final product price, rather than imposing it as a direct additional tax on the consumer.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stated that no additional structure is required and that the waste collection points are already operational. Furthermore, according to the European Union's impact assessment, the prices of small batteries might increase by approximately 0.5 to 2 euros, but consumers will not pay this directly as an extra levy; rather, the producer will incorporate it into the final price.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Mario Kadastik to come.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mario Kadastik is asking whether the battery passport requirement applies only to batteries that are sold, or if it also covers large batteries built for personal use that were not placed on the market.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mario Kadastik is seeking clarification on the requirements for the battery passport, particularly concerning batteries assembled locally in Estonia (from individual cells). He specifically asks whether the battery passport obligation applies to large batteries (starting from 1 kWh) that are not placed on the market but are used solely for internal purposes (for example, within a production facility).
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis said that the battery passport is only required if the product is going on sale or being put into circulation; it is not necessary for personal use.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis clarified that the battery passport is only required if the battery is sold or enters circulation, whereas it is not needed if the battery is used solely for personal purposes and is not sold.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speaker thanked the audience, announced that there were no further questions, and stated that Yoko Alender, Chair of the Environment Committee, would now present the discussion held and the decisions reached by the steering committee.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded the previous round of questions and then gave the floor to Yoko Alender, the Chair of the Environment Committee, who was tasked with presenting the discussion and the decisions reached in the lead committee.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Yoko Alender emphasized that the discussed draft legislation focuses on the economic viability of recycling valuable materials contained within batteries and accumulators, ensures the free handling of all batteries and the obligation of producers to take them back, addresses solutions for electronic cigarette waste, and covers the European Critical Raw Materials Regulation. She further stressed the need for standardization and the role of producer responsibility organizations, and, acting as the representative of the lead committee, proposed that the bill be added to the plenary agenda on September 23rd to conclude the first reading.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Yoko Alender provided an overview of the discussion concerning the draft bill on batteries and accumulators, which primarily focused on the economic viability of recycling valuable materials and standardizing the system to make the recycling of other metals profitable as well. She stressed that the bill ensures consumers receive free-of-charge battery disposal, reduces legislative duplication, and helps Europe decrease its dependence on China for critical raw materials.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanks [the assembly], announces that there are no questions for him, but notes there is a question for the Presiding Officer, and asks Kalle Grünthal to present that question to the Presiding Officer.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal criticizes the Riigikogu Board’s scheduling, as the session ended as early as 11:13 AM, leaving a significant amount of working time unused. He demands that measures be implemented to ensure that working hours are optimally distributed, thereby preventing a situation where they convene for only an hour on one day, but for 10–11 hours on another. He cites the postponement of the Centre Party’s draft bill due to opposition from the Reform Party as an example.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal highlighted that a significant amount of time during the session goes unused and the working schedule is not optimal. He then asked the Riigikogu Board how they could better structure the agenda and maximize the use of working hours.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi noted that while commenting on the agenda was inappropriate, they planned to discuss the possibility of Mr. Terras’s 2035 presentation by Tuesday. This was made easier because the minister was away on assignment this time. He also stressed that Wednesday is a working day, and the objective was to ensure at least three hours of session time by Tuesday and finally invite Peeter Ernits.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi explained the formation of the Riigikogu agenda, noting that his proposal to move Mr. Terras's presentation "Estonia 2035"—which had generated significant discussion—to Tuesday was unsuccessful due to the minister's official mission. Consequently, the presentation remained scheduled for Wednesday, which is likewise a workday with unlimited working hours, a factor Riigikogu members must consider.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits voiced his dissatisfaction with the Riigikogu’s excessively rigid working procedures, which he argues stifle debate. Furthermore, he sharply criticized the Minister of Agriculture for being inaccessible and avoiding responsibility, stressing that the people’s representatives are the minister’s employers, and the minister is obligated to report to them during working hours, not the other way around.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits emphasizes that the Riigikogu should be more flexible and stop allocating resources so rigidly. Furthermore, regarding the Minister of Agriculture, they are his employers and expect him to report during the day, not late at night or in the evening, especially since they have repeatedly tried to contact the minister, only to find he is either on vacation or traveling.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi explained the minister's absence by citing a foreign mission and sharply criticized the Centre Party faction for its repeated failure to ensure the debate of the bill it had initiated, due to the absence of the rapporteur. He deemed such conduct to be mocking of other Riigikogu members and contrary to good parliamentary etiquette, after which the first reading of Bill 676 was concluded.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi explained that the debate on Centre Party Bill 676 had repeatedly stalled due to absent rapporteurs and the impossibility of holding a discussion. He therefore concluded the first reading, set the deadline for amendments as October 7 at 5:15 PM, and the sitting was adjourned. Proceedings will resume tomorrow.