Survey Reveals Widespread Knowledge Gaps in Lithium Battery and EV Battery Recycling

Consumers Lack Awareness on Safe Disposal and Recycling Practices, Raising Urgency for Education
In advance of America Recycles Day (Nov. 15), Cirba Solutions, a North Carolina-based battery recycler, has released a report highlighting significant consumer knowledge gaps regarding lithium battery recycling. The survey, which sheds light on public confusion over proper disposal methods, emphasizes the urgent need for better education as the U.S. transitions toward more sustainable energy systems.

Major Findings: Widespread Lack of Knowledge on Battery Recycling
According to the survey, 53% of American consumers are unaware of how to recycle lithium batteries correctly, and 41% do not recognize the dangers of improper disposal. Despite the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries in everyday devices such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles (EVs), improper disposal can lead to safety risks like fires and toxic chemical leaks.

Although the average American owns nine lithium battery-powered devices, the survey found that 55% of respondents do not know where to recycle these batteries, and 37% are unaware that they can be recycled at all. Of those who are aware that lithium batteries should not be thrown in the trash, 45% still dispose of them improperly due to a lack of accessible recycling information.

Environmental and Safety Risks of Improper Disposal
Lithium-ion batteries contain valuable materials like cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which can be reused in new batteries through proper recycling. However, improper disposal in landfills is a growing concern. Cirba Solutions warns that improper handling of these batteries can result in environmental contamination and safety hazards. The company stresses that public education is crucial to ensure that more consumers recycle their batteries responsibly, helping to preserve valuable resources and minimize environmental risks.

EV Battery Recycling: Parallel Issues with Consumer Education
The report also addresses similar challenges in the electric vehicle (EV) market. While 12% of survey respondents currently drive an EV and 37% plan to buy one within the next 1-3 years, knowledge of how to recycle EV batteries remains low. Nearly 59% of respondents don’t know how to properly recycle their EV batteries, and 47% are unsure of their battery’s lifespan or when to replace it.

Despite growing interest in EVs—driven by factors like rising gas prices and environmental concerns—the survey highlights a clear need for more educational outreach on EV battery recycling. With EV adoption expected to increase, Cirba Solutions emphasizes that addressing these knowledge gaps now will be critical to preventing future environmental and safety risks.

Cirba Solutions’ Educational Initiatives and Community Engagement
To combat these knowledge gaps, Cirba Solutions has launched the SustainABILITY 10,000 initiative, which aims to engage with North American communities through 10,000 hours of battery recycling education. This campaign seeks to raise awareness about the importance of proper recycling and ensure consumers have access to the information they need to dispose of batteries safely.

“Through our community engagement efforts, we hope to bridge the information gap and empower consumers to recycle their batteries responsibly, supporting a safer and more sustainable future,” said Karen Gay, Manager of Community Engagement at Cirba Solutions.

Survey Details
The survey, conducted by Kickstand from July 24-28, 2024, polled 601 American consumers with a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of ±4%. The results underline the urgent need for educational efforts to ensure safe battery recycling practices, especially as the use of lithium-ion batteries and EVs continues to rise.