Survey Finds 59% of EV Drivers Unaware of Proper Battery Recycling, 47% Unsure of Battery Lifespan

To mark America Recycles Day, Cirba Solutions released a report titled The Consumers Lithium Landscape, identifying gaps in public awareness about lithium battery recycling.

According to the survey, 53% of respondents are unsure how to recycle lithium batteries, while 41% are unaware of the risks linked to improper disposal. The findings underscore the importance of education as the U.S. advances toward more sustainable energy practices.

The report points out that lithium-ion batteries, widely used in products such as phones and laptops, present safety and environmental concerns if disposed of improperly. Despite the average person owning nine battery-powered devices, 55% of respondents report they don’t know where to recycle them, and 37% are unaware the batteries can be recycled at all. Karen Gay, Cirba Solutions’ Manager of Community Engagement, noted the need for clearer information on safe battery disposal.

In April, Cirba Solutions launched the SustainABILITY 10,000 initiative, which dedicates 10,000 hours to community education on battery recycling in North America. This initiative is aimed at preventing potential environmental risks from improper disposal and fostering a circular economy through proper recycling practices.

The report also examined electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling, noting that while interest in EVs is growing—with 12% of respondents already owning one and 37% planning to buy within three years—many lack knowledge about battery recycling. Jay Wago, Cirba Solutions’ Chief Commercial Officer, said, “With the rise in EV adoption, there is a need to close the knowledge gap around battery recycling practices.”