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Jun 22, 2023

Lithium-ion Battery Recycling: A Memo from the EPA

Lithium-ion batteries are a huge part of our lives, powering everything from the TV remote to our cellphones and electric vehicles. They’ve become the go-to choice for powering our devices because they offer a winning combination of high energy density, long-lasting performance, and compact size. But as their use grows, we face a pressing challenge: how do we ensure end-of-life batteries are properly recycled and kept out of landfills? 


The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a memo that could impact how processors and recyclers approach recycling end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. The memo emphasizes capturing valuable materials from lithium-ion batteries while preventing environmental harm. This won’t necessarily introduce any new regulations or rules for batteries but instead clarifies how existing universal waste and recycling rules should be applied to batteries.  


Taking a more sustainable approach to battery recycling is especially important with the growing interest in end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and their handling. What can recycling facilities and processors do to track battery recycling operations more efficiently and ensure their businesses align with the EPA’s stance? 


Understanding the EPA Memo 

The memo was released on May 24, 2023, and by understanding the newly introduced guidelines and incorporating them into operations, processors can navigate the complexities of the battery recycling landscape.

Lithium-ion-battery-recycling-epa

1. Hazardous Waste: The memo confirms that most lithium-ion batteries are hazardous waste due to their fire and reactivity risks. This means they need extra care during recycling collection and processing. 


2. Responsible Recycling: It emphasizes recycling lithium-ion batteries whenever possible. Recycling extracts valuable materials and critical minerals for future battery manufacturing and helps make our planet more sustainable. 

3. Compliance: While some recyclers may need a special permit for storing hazardous batteries, everyday tasks like removing, disassembling, or discharging batteries for recycling usually don't require one. However, following federal and state regulations is crucial, as some states may have additional rules or stricter guidelines. 


4. Employee Safety: The memo emphasizes the importance of proper employee training on battery removal, disassembly, and storage techniques to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment. New Paragraph

Lithium-ion-battery-recycling-epa


1. Hazardous Waste: The memo confirms that most lithium-ion batteries are hazardous waste due to their fire and reactivity risks. This means they need extra care during recycling collection and processing. 


2. Responsible Recycling: It emphasizes recycling lithium-ion batteries whenever possible. Recycling extracts valuable materials and critical minerals for future battery manufacturing and helps make our planet more sustainable.



3. Compliance: While some recyclers may need a special permit for storing hazardous batteries, everyday tasks like removing, disassembling, or discharging batteries for recycling usually don't require one. However, following federal and state regulations is crucial, as some states may have additional rules or stricter guidelines. 


4. Employee Safety: The memo emphasizes the importance of proper employee training on battery removal, disassembly, and storage techniques to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment.

In addition to the EPA’s guidelines, The Department of Energy is putting $335 million into funding for lithium-ion battery recycling as part of the 2021 infrastructure law. They're also adding $60 million for projects that give electric vehicle batteries a second life. This significant investment shows their commitment to supporting the battery recycling industry. 


As battery recycling gains more attention, processors and recyclers need to consider investing in their technology to improve efficiency, tracking for compliance, and overall competitiveness of their businesses. Waste Recycling Tracking Software can streamline operations and enhance safety as organizations work to stay ahead in the ever-growing battery recycling industry.


How Battery Recyclers Can Leverage Waste Recycling Tracking Software for Operational Excellence

There is an incredible amount of untapped data in the waste recycling industry, including for end-of-life batteries. Unfortunately, most organizations still do things the old-fashioned way– pen and paper. But imagine having a reliable digital tool that can create consistent, instant, verifiable records of waste collection and disposal activities. Here are a few ways waste tracking software can benefit processors and recyclers: 

Recycling-Compliance-Data

1. Reliable Compliance Data at Your Fingertips 

With waste-tracking software for end-of-life batteries, processors and business partners can easily track every step of the lithium-ion battery recycling process. From collection to transportation and final disposal, the software can record and store all the necessary data for compliance purposes. Going digital can give recycling businesses access to reliable records, documentation, and audit trails to demonstrate environmental impact and simplify their interactions with regulatory authorities. 
Recycling-Operations-Efficiency

2. Streamlined Recycling Operations and Efficiency 

Managing recycling operations through purpose-built software can help automate manual tasks, such as data entry and reporting, saving time, money, and effort. Replacing paper, manual, and outdated processes with real-time data tracking and analytics provides insights into battery recycling operations, allowing organizations to identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and improve overall efficiency. 
Recycling-Participant-Engagement

3. Enhanced Customer Engagement and Transparency 

In today's world, consumers value transparency and sustainability. Waste recycling tracking software allows recyclers to showcase their commitment to responsible recycling practices. Processors can provide customers and governments with detailed reports demonstrating the journey of lithium-ion batteries from collection to recycling. This builds trust and strengthens your relationships with clients. 

1. Reliable Compliance Data at Your Fingertips 

With waste-tracking software for end-of-life batteries, processors and business partners can easily track every step of the lithium-ion battery recycling process. From collection to transportation and final disposal, the software can record and store all the necessary data for compliance purposes. Going digital can give recycling businesses access to reliable records, documentation, and audit trails to demonstrate environmental impact and simplify their interactions with regulatory authorities. New Paragraph

2. Streamlined Recycling Operations and Efficiency 

Managing recycling operations through purpose-built software can help automate manual tasks, such as data entry and reporting, saving time, money, and effort. Replacing paper, manual, and outdated processes with real-time data tracking and analytics provides insights into battery recycling operations, allowing organizations to identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and improve overall efficiency. 

3. Enhanced Customer Engagement and Transparency 

In today's world, consumers value transparency and sustainability. Waste recycling tracking software allows recyclers to showcase their commitment to responsible recycling practices. Processors can provide customers and governments with detailed reports demonstrating the journey of lithium-ion batteries from collection to recycling. This builds trust and strengthens your relationships with clients. 


Technology is a proven tool for streamlining operations, simplifying compliance, and gaining valuable insights and waste tracking software can help processors and recyclers unlock data from operations.


End-of-Life Doesn’t Mean End of the Line for Batteries 

Recycling lithium-ion batteries is a responsibility and an opportunity. By embracing the EPA's memo and leveraging waste recycling tracking software, processors and battery recyclers can simplify reporting, streamline operations, and become more competitive. 


Organizations must stay ahead of the game as the recycling industry evolves and regulations become more stringent. With the recent EPA memo and the growing interest in responsible battery recycling, now is the time to invest in unlocking the data powering recycling operations. 

About Diversys 

Diversys is proud to have its roots in Ontario, Canada - a province widely recognized for its leadership in EPR and sustainability. Since 2019, we've been dedicated to creating innovative software solutions that drive progress toward a world without waste.


Our story is a testament to the power of hard work, customer loyalty, and big ideas. We are committed to empowering organizations with the waste recycling software solutions necessary for achieving a sustainable future. Our cutting-edge software platform is helping organizations achieve their ESG goals, meet reporting obligations, and improve operational efficiency for their recycling programs.


Our commitment to delivering world-class solutions that drive meaningful progress towards waste reduction and a more sustainable future is unwavering. Our team of industry experts is ready to help you navigate the rapidly-evolving waste management landscape as we progress toward a circular economy. 

CONTACT US NOW!

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