Recycling lithium-ion batteries greatly reduces environmental impact
A Stanford University study in Nature Communications finds that recycling lithium-ion batteries significantly reduces environmental impact compared to mining virgin metals. Recycling emits less than half the greenhouse gases (GHGs) and uses about one-fourth of the water and energy. Scrap material, making up 90% of the studied recycled supply, had even greater benefits. Battery recycling’s effectiveness depends on location and energy sources. The study highlights Redwood Materials’ patented process, which operates at lower temperatures and yields more lithium. While recycling is expanding, it must scale faster to meet future demand, as critical minerals may run out in the next decade. Researchers emphasize designing efficient recycling systems now to ensure a sustainable battery supply, with manufacturers incorporating recyclability into future designs. Learn more about this study.
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