What happens if I don’t recycle lithium-ion batteries?

Environmental Consequences

When lithium-ion batteries are not recycled, the toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium can contaminate soil and groundwater. This can lead to the destruction of ecosystems and pose a significant threat to wildlife. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries can leach toxic materials into the environment, contaminating soil and water sources in as little as 5 years.

Health Risks

Human exposure to the toxic chemicals in lithium-ion batteries can lead to serious health problems, including neurological damage, respiratory issues, and even cancer. The risk of exposure is especially high for children and pregnant women, who are more susceptible to the effects of toxic chemicals. Prolonged exposure to heavy metals such as lead can cause irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system.

Economic and Resource Depletion Implications

Recycling lithium-ion batteries can help conserve natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and mitigate the economic costs associated with extracting and processing primary materials. Recycling just one ton of lithium-ion batteries can save up to 8,500 kWh of energy and 2,500 kg of CO2 emissions. By recycling lithium-ion batteries, we can also recover over 70% of the lithium, cobalt, and nickel content, reducing the need for primary mining and processing.