July 19, 2018 | News Brief | In Australia, a report issued by The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has revealed that only 2% of Australia’s annual 3,300 tonnes of lithium-ion battery waste is currently recycled. By comparison, 98% of lead-acid batteries were recycled. CSIRO says lack of consumer awareness surrounding the environmental and human health and safety risks associated with the improper handling, storage, and disposal of the batteries is a key barrier to the development of a local recycling industry. ZDNet reports that CSIRO has laid out a pathway to improve lithium-ion battery lifecycle including domestic recycling, component recovery, and commercial and industrial reuse.
Australia: 98% Lithium-Ion Batteries Discarded
