The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $14 million initiative to enhance consumer battery recycling as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. This funding, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by DOE’s Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains Office (MESC), aims to establish over 1,000 collection points nationwide for used batteries from consumer products. The initiative is designed to facilitate easy and free disposal of old batteries and devices, thereby reducing e-waste.
“Did you know that President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is helping consumers play a pivotal role in our national security?” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “With hundreds of drop-off points across the country, we’re making it easier to recycle batteries from old cellphones and laptops — in turn allowing us to reuse the critical minerals we would normally source from China for new clean energy manufacturing. At DOE we’re excited to help create a circular, sustainable domestic supply chain.”
Recycling spent batteries will provide additional sources of necessary materials for new batteries or other products, with retailers playing a crucial role in making recycling accessible for consumers. Consumer products such as rechargeable batteries, cell phones, laptops, vacuums, and smartwatches contain critical minerals like nickel, lithium, and graphite that can be reused across the clean energy sector.
Staples U.S. Retail and Batteries Plus have been selected to receive over $7 million each to install portable consumer battery recycling drop-offs at their stores. These companies will create over 1,000 new drop-off locations nationwide, many situated in disadvantaged communities. This program supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims for 40 percent of the overall benefits of federal climate and clean energy investments to flow to marginalized communities.
Selection for award negotiations does not guarantee an award or funding issuance by DOE. A negotiation process will follow before any funding is provided, during which DOE may cancel negotiations or rescind selections.
Learn more about the MESC mission to strengthen and secure manufacturing and energy supply chains needed to modernize the nation’s energy infrastructure and support a clean and equitable energy transition.
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