Recycling Mystery: Bulging Lithium-Ion Batteries
Briefly

Recycling Mystery: Bulging Lithium-Ion Batteries
"The global lithium-ion battery recycling market was valued at approximately $10.26 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach around $98.42 billion by 2034, with more than 80% of processing capacity located in China. Recycling lithium-ion batteries means we don't have to take as much lithium from the environment. The amount of battery material ready for recycling worldwide is expected to reach 1.4 million tons by 2030, up from 200,000 tons in 2020. By 2040, more than seven million tons could be available."
"Lithium-ion batteries are the driving force behind products that have redefined life over the past two decades, from smartphones to laptops to electric vehicles. However, when they fail, lithium-ion batteries can cause fires that produce toxic fumes. A bulging battery is a clear sign of a malfunction that requires immediate attention. Still, you can recycle it if you handle it safely."
Lithium-ion batteries power smartphones, laptops and electric vehicles but can ignite and emit toxic fumes when they fail. Over 5,000 fires occur annually at recycling centers because batteries are often discarded improperly. Fires at waste and recycling facilities rose 15% from 2023 to 2024, while Fire Rover reported a 20% increase at recycling centers and transfer stations. The lithium-ion battery recycling market was worth about $10.26 billion in 2024 and could approach $98.42 billion by 2034. Recyclable battery material is projected to grow substantially by 2030 and 2040. Bulging or warped devices indicate battery malfunction and require immediate, safe handling for recycling.
Read at Earth911
Unable to calculate read time
[
|
]