Whether听it鈥檚听small听single-use听batteries,听household听rechargeable batteries,听or large batteries for electric vehicles, disposal can pose a significant safety risk to people and the planet. Conversely, batteries听contain听valuable materials which, when听properly managed, can be returned to the supply chain to realize substantial environmental, economic, and social benefits.听听
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is launching a听Battery Circularity Program听to improve how batteries are collected, recycled,听and reprocessed across the state.听 By听using听recycled materials, the manufacturing of new batteries consumes less energy, water,听and natural resources. Proper recycling can also mitigate fires, reducing risk to lives and infrastructure. Recovering batteries also strengthens circular supply chains and reduces dependence on foreign sources of critical minerals, encourages innovation, and creates local jobs.听
A听virtual stakeholder meeting听from 10-11:30 a.m.听Thursday,听Feb.听26,听will kick off the initiative and听gather听input from organizations across the battery and recycling landscape, and听. Discussion topics will include current successes, gaps and safety concerns, opportunities to expand recovery, and how education, funding,听data听and infrastructure can better support residents and communities.听
The data and insight gathered during the stakeholder meeting will inform the early building blocks for an end-of-life battery solutions roadmap, including future education and funding efforts. Organizations throughout the value chain 鈥撎齧anufacturers,听retailers, collectors, recyclers, communities, associations, universities, safety, and more 鈥� are encouraged to register and attend.听
As part of EGLE鈥檚 efforts,听NextCycle听Michigan听will launch a special accelerator to support the advancement of battery recycling solutions. The program will provide operational and technical coaching to move initiatives toward implementation in Michigan. The application period will听open听in the summer, with听more information to follow听as it becomes available.