The U.S. battery recycling program, Call2Recycle, collected over 8 million pounds of batteries for recycling in 2023. This includes 5.4 million pounds of rechargeable batteries and 2.6 million pounds of primary batteries. The overall battery collections in the U.S. increased by 1.5% compared to 2022, although there was a decrease of 2.8% in rechargeable battery collections. Call2Recycle also successfully collected and recycled over 60,000 pounds of e-bike batteries through its voluntary e-bike battery recycling program, which is endorsed by PeopleForBikes. The program offers various options for consumers to recycle batteries, including drop-off locations and at-home recycling solutions [20f4dd32].
The global battery market is expanding, but the throwaway culture surrounding batteries is causing environmental concerns. Americans throw away over 3 billion batteries annually, resulting in 180,000 tons of hazardous waste. This issue is similar to the fast fashion industry's creation of disposable clothing. While recycling is important, it is more effective to prevent the need for recycling by prolonging battery durability. Batteries with extended lifespans, such as Lithium Titanate (LTO), reduce environmental impact. New battery operating systems are being developed to integrate batteries with extended lifespans into consumer products. These systems allow for the use of various battery chemistries and improve battery life. The goal is to create a more sustainable and efficient future in the battery industry.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking steps to address the issue of battery waste by launching work sessions in March to explore battery recycling topics such as labeling and collection best practices. The sessions aim to develop voluntary labeling guidelines, collection best practices, and tools to improve battery recycling efforts. Battery manufacturers, nonprofits, and local governments are invited to share their experiences and insights. The EPA's push to boost recycling programs has included distributing over $190 million in grants. The sessions are part of the EPA's larger effort to enhance recycling programs and sustainability [b7a1b256].
According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global market for Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling is projected to reach $23.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 18.8% over the analysis period 2023-2030. The focus on building a circular economy is driving the use, reuse, and recycle of lithium-ion batteries, with recycling playing a crucial role in combating climate change. The lithium-ion battery recycling market is becoming increasingly competitive, with key competitors vying for market share. The market is particularly significant for lithium-nickel manganese cobalt (Li-NMC) battery chemistry, which is projected to reach $14.9 billion by the end of the analysis period. The U.S. market is estimated at $1.2 billion in 2023, while China is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 22.5% and reach $7.6 billion by 2030. The market is driven by factors such as fears over lithium supply shortages, government guidelines on battery waste disposal, and the growing demand for lithium-ion battery technology in energy storage, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles. Key players in the lithium-ion battery recycling market include Amit Industries Ltd., American Manganese, Inc., Accurec Recycling GmbH, Aqua Metals, Inc., and Call2Recycle, Inc. [a839c08c] [20f4dd32].
In a recent research article published in Nature.com, Aoye Song, Zhaohui Dan, Siqian Zheng, and Yuekuan Zhou discuss an electricity-driven mobility circular economy with lifecycle carbon footprints for climate-adaptive carbon neutrality transformation. The research focuses on a community with an energy paradigm shifting towards decentralization, renewable and sustainability. The study proposes approaches to quantify the lifecycle carbon intensity of batteries and pathways for zero-carbon transformation. Results show that a lifecycle zero-carbon battery can be achieved under an energy paradigm shifting to positive, V2X interaction, battery cascade utilization, and battery circular economy in various climate regions. The study proposes an approach for lifecycle battery carbon intensity quantification for sustainable pathways transition on zero-carbon batteries and carbon-neutral communities [410ca433].