EPA publishes report on best practices for battery collection
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently submitted a report to the U.S. Congress that focuses on best practices used by states and others for diverting batteries from disposal. The goal is to raise recycling rates and reduce fires at waste and recycling facilities while recovering valuable, precious metals.
Along with the report, the EPA also published a best practices toolkit, which includes case studies, educational materials, infographics, webinars, and more.
The report notes that challenges associated with battery collection include lack of awareness by consumers and businesses about which products contain batteries and how to properly collect, store and transport them for recycling. In addition, battery collection locations are often not convenient for many battery types.
Steve Noble, electronics recycling specialist, at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), says,
As more and more products contain rechargable batteries, it is important that consumers be aware of the opportunities to recycle all batteries safely and properly, particularly those that are super charged even at end of life
“This report highlights what states, tribes and local governments can do to make battery recycling safe, more common, and funded.”
EGLE completed an initial investigation into the needs of a system that will provide recycling opportunities for a variety of household batteries. A stakeholder process is also underway to gather input as to the need for a safe battery handling education and collection program for the residents of our state.
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EPA publishes report on best practices for battery collection, source
