ReMA Unveils Stance on Managing End-of-Life Non-Embedded Small and Medium Format Batteries

Scrap Batteries

In a significant move toward improving safety and sustainability, the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) announced its official stance on end-of-life battery management for non-embedded small and medium format batteries. This decision was made during the ReMA Winter Board meeting on February 27, 2025, held in Washington, D.C.

Risks of Improper Disposal: A Growing Concern

From smartphones and laptops to e-bikes and home appliances, batteries are an indispensable part of modern life. Their usage spans a wide range of devices, all of which have become essential in our everyday routines. However, the rise in battery consumption has also brought forth significant environmental and safety concerns, particularly with regard to the disposal of non-embedded small and medium format batteries, which are often found in personal electronics and consumer products, ReMA states.

Improper disposal of batteries, especially lithium-ion types, poses serious risks, both for public safety and the recycling industry. These batteries, when disposed of improperly, can lead to fires, toxic gas emissions, and even explosions. ReMA alarms that the risk is amplified when such batteries are difficult to detect in waste streams, making them hazardous for recycling facilities and workers.

To mitigate these risks, ReMA advocates that batteries must be managed by specialized recyclers; otherwise, they pose a threat to public safety, recycling facility workers, and the recycling infrastructure, instead of serving as a valuable resource for recovering critical minerals and other recyclable materials.

ReMA’s Position on Sustainable and Safe Battery Management

ReMA expresses support for policy initiatives that promote the collection, safety, and proper end-of-life handling of non-embedded small and medium batteries, including reuse and recycling, in line with the following principles:

- Consumer Education and Outreach must be prioritized to ensure public safety, responsible recycling, and ongoing community engagement.

- Funding paid for by the producers of the battery or battery-containing product, covering collection, transportation, processing, and public education, as well as an infrastructure assessment to guide safety and detection investments.

- Battery Stewardship Organizations (BSOs) should operate in coordination and with state oversight to arrange for the collection and recycling of battery formats they represent.

- Independent Collection and Management of Batteries by Recyclers should not be restricted if collection is recorded and reported, and batteries are responsibly managed according to the law.

- Covered Battery Formats have different requirements for safe and responsible collection, packaging, transport, and processing that should be accounted for, and collectors should not be required to handle formats they are not properly trained and equipped to handle.

- State Oversight in coordination with a stakeholder Advisory Committee should ensure against flow control and market access imbalances and ensure confidential and secure data reporting to the state or a third party, non-vested entity.

- Design for Recycling must be encouraged for battery manufacturers and producers so that batteries can be safely used by consumers and reused, repurposed, or recycled at end of life.

- Civil Actions and Penalties for Improper Disposal should be included for grossly negligent or knowing actions by commercial entities, and BSOs should provide collection from recyclers receiving batteries they cannot accept.

Looking Ahead: A Safer Future for Battery Recycling

With the growing challenges surrounding battery disposal, ReMA is committed to advancing these initiatives to ensure that non-embedded small and medium format batteries are safely and responsibly recycled. This will not only help mitigate safety risks but also contribute to the sustainable recovery of valuable materials. For more details on ReMA’s position on end-of-life battery management, visit RecycledMaterials.org.