Department of Energy Pledges $192 Million for Battery Recycling Programs

To help combat the ever-increasing issue of e-waste and the sheer number of batteries being thrown away today, the Department of Energy is funding electronic recycling in a big way.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) just announced that it will be funding more than $192 million to help improve battery recycling technologies throughout the United States.

The Biden Administration has pledged nearly $3 billion towards domestic battery manufacturing and recycling efforts.

The funding will be split into several areas, including the DOE’s Consumer Electronics Battery Recycling, Reprocessing and Battery Collection program. This program develops education and behavioral campaigns which help increase participation in existing battery recycling initiatives.

Also, the money will go to support the creation of an Advanced Battery Research and Development (R&D) Consortium. This will advance R&D need by electric vehicle manufacturers, allowing them to further develop the country’s domestic battery supply chain.

Lastly, a portion of the funding will go towards the Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling program, which was established in 2019. This program rewards companies for finding new ways to collect, sort, and transport discarded ion batteries.

“The United States is leading the way in developing advanced battery technologies that will power our clean energy future and boost our global competitiveness,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, these investments in battery production and recycling will ensure the U.S. has a secure and sustainable domestic supply chain and strengthens our economy.” 

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