Audi, Redwood Materials launch recycling program for consumer electronics TechCrunch

Audi and battery recycler Redwood Materials are working together to collect end-of-life batteries from cell phones, electric toothbrushes and other lithium-ion-powered devices at participating dealerships nationwide.

From November, consumers can deposit their laptops, cell phones, e-bikes, e-scooters, electric toothbrushes, vacuum cleaners, power drills and other rechargeable devices at dealerships. A spokesperson said the recycling bins will be available “for the foreseeable future” at select dealerships.

program, which Expanding on Redwood’s partnership To recycle Audi and Volkswagen EV batteries, the Nevada-based recycler has teamed up with an automaker to collect household lithium-ion batteries for the first time. Batteries and equipment collected in bins will be sent to Redwood’s facility to be reused Durable, Household EV Battery,

As the largest player in the growing battery recycling industry, Redwood has an opportunity to solve a raw material shortage that threatens to undermine the automaker’s aggressive global EV sales targets. Creating a sustainable, closed-loop domestic battery supply chain could supply millions of new EVs over the next few years while meeting stimulus guidelines under the Inflation Reduction Act. The bill provides for tax credits for EVs whose batteries are made with recycled materials.

There are about 15 million tons of lithium-ion batteries expected to retire by 2030Most automakers set deadline for phasing out gas-engined vehicles aquametals, redwood projects global demand Lithium-ion batteries will increase by sixfold, or more than 500%, over the next decade.