How Are Lithium ion Batteries Recycled?
Sep 13, 2022
Batteries are recycled by being shredded, mixing all of their components. Once all of the metals are mixed into a powder, they need to be separated by either being liquified or dissolved in acid so that the desired metal can be retrieved.
Since the process of recycling batteries is still in the early stages, the United States has suggested an enhancement to the Defense Production Act. The goal is to put money towards securing the metals we need for a clean energy transition while also researching and investing in recycling lithium ion batteries.
Alternatively, instead of shredding old batteries, sometimes batteries within an EV can be reused. Lithium ion batteries have a very long lifespan, and while they will lose their ability to power a car, they can still be used for less intense energy storage needs, like backup power.
Currently, when you replace technology such as your EV or storage battery, recycling the old one is a chore. You can find certified electronics recyclers through the EPA website.
The demand for lithium ion batteries has risen recently, but the ones currently in use have not reached the end of their lives. Due to a lack of dead batteries, recycling methods have been slow to develop.
As batteries become a larger part of our renewable world, recycling and reusing them will continue to ensure we thrive in a renewable energy-powered future. The metals within the batteries remain useful long after its lifespan ends, and it would be an extreme waste of resources if they are not recycled.
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