Insights from EPA Battery Workshop: Addressing Disposal Challenges and Enhancing Recycling Efforts

Stakeholders gathered at a battery workshop hosted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from June 12–14, 2024, to address pressing issues surrounding battery disposal and recycling.

SWANA Summer Associate Aidan Leurdijk attended this in-person workshop, which focused on strategies to improve accessibility and engagement for recycling of small format batteries.

Discussions covered the negative environmental and safety impacts of improper disposal of batteries, including the fire risks in Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and engaged attendees to formulate solutions.

Key Workshop Discussions Included:

• Enhanced Consumer Education: Attendees emphasized the need for a robust public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about safe battery disposal practices and recycling benefits.
• Streamlined Transportation Processes: Efforts are underway to simplify transporting batteries to recycling facilities, reducing risks during transit.
• Improved Labeling Standards: Standardizing battery labels to include clear recycling instructions and information relevant to different battery types would provide significant progress. However, challenges remain due to changes in label requirements across different jurisdictions.

Challenges Addressed

Lithium batteries, which constitute a significant portion of all batteries (10%), are prone to causing fires due to the electrolyte in the battery. Causes of lithium battery fires include accidental punctures, friction, exposure to harsh conditions, and issues with counterfeit batteries and compatibility.

Role of SWANA and Collaborators

The workshop showed how SWANA can help in advocating for improved battery recycling infrastructure and safety standards. Our association’s involvement emphasizes the importance of industry collaboration in implementing best practices and guidelines.

Learn More

On July 16, 2024, the EPA will host a virtual report-out on this in-person meeting. For more information on this virtual session and on EPA’s other workshops and efforts on batteries, please visit the EPA’s website and/or email batteries@epa.gov.