Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Are Difficult to Recycle

Automatically transcribed from the original recording. Small transcription errors may remain.

By 2030, analysts anticipate 2 million metric tons of lithium-ion waste will be generated worldwide. Now, these batteries contain valuable metals that can be recovered, processed, and reused. But very little recycling goes on today, and there are many reasons why lithium-ion battery recycling is not yet taken off. Sadly, the battery industry lacks a clear path to large-scale economic recycling, and battery researchers and manufacturers have traditionally not focused on improving recyclability. When it comes to recycling batteries, the process can be delicate and only 50% of the battery's materials are reused. However, efforts are underway to change all of that. The Department of Energy's Resale Center reported making several lithium-ion battery recycling breakthroughs. Resale is pursuing projects that recover other battery materials including lithium salts and electrolyte solvents, which could maximize the number of reusable components and provide more revenue for recyclers. and they hope to demonstrate direct recycling from old sale to new in 2022.