New Strategy Aims to Boost Record Low Battery Recycling Rates

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) released a new research report that analyzes the current status and opportunities of lithium-ion battery recycling in Australia. The CSIRO report calls for better solutions to address the thousands of tonnes of lithium-ion battery waste produced by the country every single year.

According to the report titled ‘Lithium battery recycling in Australia’, the country generated 3,300 tonnes of battery waste in 2016. Out of this, only 2% were collected and exported for offshore recycling. As per estimates, this waste is expected to grow by 20% per annum, mainly on account of rising demand from rechargeable electronic equipment and electric vehicles. The waste could exceed 100,000 tonnes by 2036.

The report identified lack of consumer awareness as the primary cause for country’s poor recycling rates. Many of the consumers were unaware of the environmental impacts due to improper disposal of batteries in bins. The consumer participation in government managed battery collection points was exceedingly low. The report suggests that low recycling rates could be overcome through advertising and public education campaigns, improved collection processes and implementation of efficient recycling techniques.

Although Australia has well-established schemes for recycling lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries, it doesn’t have a similar one for lithium-ion batteries, the report cited. Research, government and industry must work closely to develop standards and best-practice solutions to boost lithium-ion battery recycling.

The researchers commended the federal government for introducing the Product Stewardship Act in 2011 and called for further coordination on developing a comprehensive recycling program for lithium-ion batteries.