Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are commonly used in a variety of consumer products, including cellular phones, laptop computers, and more recently, electric and hybrid vehicles. Due to the growing usage of LIBs, recycling will likely be required to mitigate potential environmental costs to keep up with production.
This peer-reviewed article published in ACS Energy Matters examines the status of LIB recycling regulations around the world with a focus on the United States, European Union, and China. Also discussed are the implications of these regulations as well as the logistics of large-scale recycling.