The future of recycling lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are starting to be used in significant amounts for automotive force and are always being used in computers today. With their increasing use by the automotive industry, the need to improve the recycling of lithium-ion batteries is becoming critical. These batteries are expected to last the life of the vehicle, they will not be ending their useful lives in large numbers for about 10 years. They may then be used for utility energy storage, but eventually their useful lives will end. 

The real question is, what steps can be taken to ensure that these spent Li-ion batteries are recycled? In an ideal system, these batteries would be sent for accountable recycling and not be exported to developing countries with less strict environmental, health, and safety regulations. Methods are wanted for the safe and economical transport and processing of the spent batteries, as well as environmentally sound recycling. In addition, the recycled product needs to be of high enough quality to find a market for its original purpose, or it must find substitute market.  Fortunately, a battery recycling system is in place that’s already thriving, and many lessons can be learned from it.

Waste management world claims that according to a recent analysis by Creation Inn, a consultancy specialised in energy storage and the circular economy, the total amount of recycled lithium could reach 5800 to 30,000 tonnes by 2025. According to the report, more than 66% of the lithium-ion batteries, or 191,000 tonnes, is expected to be recycled in China, feeding the country’s fast-growing battery material industry. 

Recycle your computers lithium- ion batteries with STE Waste Management, Using the latest Euro 6 vehicle technology and our trademark ‘sort at source’ recycling technique, we offer a flexible and efficient waste management service that minimises our clients’ environmental impact and helps them meet their corporate social responsibility targets.  

Source: Waste management world 27th April 2018
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