E-Waste and Battery Recycling in America: Challenges and Opportunities

The E-Waste Challenge​
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a rapidly growing problem in the United States. The country produces more e-waste than any other in the world. In 2009, discarded TVs, computers, peripherals, and cell phones totaled about 2.37 million short tons (a short ton is equivalent to 2,000 lbs). E-waste represents 2% of America’s trash in landfills, but it equals 70% of overall toxic waste.
E-waste contains toxic materials like lead and mercury, which can harm the environment and people. Despite these alarming figures, the U.S. is beginning to address its waste problems with regulations at both state and federal levels.

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)
A serious challenge in the management of e-waste is the safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are increasingly causing catastrophic fires at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) due to inappropriate disposal.
A report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that 64 waste facilities experienced 245 fires caused by, or likely caused by, lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries. Among these facilities, MRFs appear to have faced the brunt of the negative impact.
These fires occur when recycling equipment or machinery rubs against, crushes, or otherwise physically damages a lithium-ion battery. The increase in batteries entering MRFs is forcing workers in these facilities to become de facto experts at spotting the batteries and extinguishing the fires that they inevitably ignite.
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Battery fires burn HOT and FAST! “Thermal runaway” is a term that’s become well-known among operators of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). This phenomenon occurs when a battery is damaged or disturbed to the extent that its internal separator fails, causing the energy inside to generate heat. This heat then fuels itself, creating even more heat, which can lead to a fire. This issue poses a significant challenge for recycling facilities and has led to advice from industry experts, serious alerts, and attention from regulatory bodies.


The Opportunity to Recycle BatteriesDespite these challenges, there is a significant opportunity to improve battery recycling in the U.S. The Biden-Harris Administration has announced more than $192 million in new funding for recycling batteries from consumer products. This investment supports the recycling and reuse segment of the domestic battery supply chain, helping to accelerate battery production in America, mitigate battery supply chain disruptions, and create good-paying jobs.
One organization leading the charge in battery recycling is Call2Recycle, Inc. Call2Recycle is the country’s leading consumer battery recycling and stewardship program. They have established a network of thousands of drop-off locations across the U.S., including retailers and government municipalities.
Call2Recycle’s program provides a simple and effective solution for consumers to recycle their used batteries. By using their locator tool, consumers can easily find nearby locations to recycle their batteries.


Organizations like The Home Depot, Ace Hardware Corporation, Lowe's Companies, Inc., and Staples have stepped up to make battery recycling more convenient for consumers and promote practical recycling efforts.
While the U.S. faces significant challenges in managing e-waste and preventing lithium-ion battery fires, there are also substantial opportunities to improve recycling practices. Through increased funding, education, and the efforts of organizations like Call2Recycle, the U.S. can make significant strides toward a more sustainable future.
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