First America, one of the largest and most comprehensive recycling operations in the United States, is participating again this year in The Battery Show, Oct. 7 鈥� 10, in Detroit, both to showcase its current battery-recycling capabilities (Booth 2958) and to help anticipate what鈥檚 needed next to manage recycling efforts for new and coming battery technologies.
First America already recycles all sizes of traditional alkaline, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion batteries. They were among the first recyclers to begin accepting electric-vehicle and hybrid-vehicle batteries and charging stations, and today EV and HV battery recycling is a growing part of their business.
Moving forward, with the increased demand for electric vehicles and electric power over fossil fuels, scientists and manufacturers are working on new battery technologies that use fewer rare minerals and precious metals, and First America wants to stay ahead of those trends to ensure effective, efficient recycling.
鈥淲e鈥檙e watching emerging battery technologies, including iron-air, sodium-ion and cobalt-free lithium-ion battery development to see what might prove effective in which applications,鈥� said Les Bury, president, First America. He explained that some of the alternative battery types have the potential to be easier on the environment, but they also need to deliver sufficient energy in a compact package while also equaling or outlasting the performance of batteries they replace.
Bury said that, as First America sees new battery types adopted for more widespread use, manufacturers and users will need updated recycling solutions. 鈥淲e, of course, hope to show attendees at The Battery Show that we鈥檙e prepared to help them reuse and recycle their existing batteries while also helping them account for the resulting reduction in their carbon footprint,鈥� he added. 鈥淲e鈥檙e also here to learn what鈥檚 next so we can stay ahead of the curve,鈥� he said.