The recycling and sustainability company, First Mile, has introduced a new scheme to recycle rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIB), commonly found in electric scooters, bikes, cars and vans.
The increasing popularity of electric vehicles means that LIBs are becoming more commonplace. It is predicted that by 2030, two million metric tons of used LIBs will be generated across the world every year.
Over time, LIBs degrade and come to the end of their rechargeable life and it is at this point that they are often deemed useless and destined for landfill.
However, LIBs contain finite precious metals and elements that can be recovered.
First Mile’s recycling scheme will see discarded LIBs transported to specialist recycling facilities in mainland Europe where a recycling process that uses auto-thermal heat treatment and mechanical treatments will recover aluminium, copper, nickel cobalt, and steel from the batteries.
Bruce Bratley, CEO and founder of First Mile, commented: ‘Adding LIB recycling to our suite of recycling services is a really positive step forward for an item that has gained in popularity over the years, starting from consumer electronics and, more recently, the growth in the use of electric vehicles.
‘At First Mile, we know from our own green fleet just how much of a positive difference that switching to electric vehicles can have on the environment, but, it’s vitally important that green intentions are maintained throughout the lifecycle of a product.
‘Recycling all components of a product at the end of its useable life is the best way to divert waste from landfill and safeguard our planet’s natural resources.’
