Scientists Encourage Recovery, Recycling and Reuse of Li-ion Batteries

Scientists are of the opinion that stronger environment policies should be implement that encourage recovery, recycling and reuse of lithium-ion batteries and battery materials.

The disposal of lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) can cause serious environment and health hazards to humans. Addressing this issue, scientists from the American Chemical Society are of the opinion that stronger environmental policies should be implemented that encourage recovery, recycling and reuse of lithium-ion batteries and battery materials.

The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization licensed by the U.S. Congress. It has more than 163,000 members and is one of the world's largest scientific societies that provides access to chemistry-related research through its peer-reviewed journals, multiple databases and scientific conferences

Lead author of the study, Oladele A. Ogunseitan, and colleagues point out that lithium-ion batteries are used in a variety of devices like jetliners components and smartphones. According to the researchers, sales of this type of batteries reach up to $8 billion annually. Ogunseitan states that since the batteries have a short life span of only 2 to 4 years, disposal of these batteries can pose a major "electronic waste problem."

Researchers conducted a study using standardized leaching tests, hazard assessment models and other methods for evaluating hazardous waste. They found that owing to the lead content of lithium-ion batteries, they fit into the hazardous waste category under the federal government norms.

"These findings support the need for stronger government policy at the local, national, and international levels to encourage recovery, recycling, and reuse of lithium battery materials," their report states.

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