Battery Resources

ReMA Battery Resources

The battery-powered future is here now, with lithium-ion, other rechargeable, and non-rechargeable batteries playing a role in everyday life – they’re in our phones, laptops, watches, and other wearable personal electronics. Electric mobility batteries in e-bikes and scooters are a common sight in cities, and electric vehicles and hybrids are growing their market share each year.

Over the next 10 years, the volume of batteries available for recycling is projected to triple, exceeding 700,000 tons and 962 million units per year in 2034. The end-of-life batteries are a valuable resource for the recovery of critical minerals and other recyclable materials that could serve as building blocks for the next generation of American made products, however, if not recycled or handled appropriately they move from a potential valuable resource to a risk to the public, first responders, and to employees of the recycled materials industry.

ReMA is committed to ensuring the safety of the recycled materials industry with the tools needed to manage these batteries. We provide resources such as:

  • New training opportunities and educational resources to keep the industry informed and reduce potential risks to employees, business, and surrounding communities.
  • Educational materials for consumers on how to properly recycle their batteries.
  • Guidance for policymakers on how to address the opportunities and challenges posed by end-of-life battery management.

Resources

Safety remains ReMA’s number one core value – operations within the industry should be conducted “safely or not at all.” Recognizing the extreme risks associated with improperly managed end-of-use batteries, including risk of shock, fire, and even death, ReMA’s safety team has developed a number of resources for members focused on the safe handling, transportation, and storage of batteries, as well as fire safety measures to keep our workers, operations, and communities safe.

With the majority of battery-containing products used by consumers, proper battery management begins at home. Expanding consumer awareness is critical to ensuring the safe handling and recycling of batteries and battery containing products. As such, ReMA partners with organizations to deliver strong, accessible educational campaigns that promote safe handling and storage of batteries, proper recycling methods and information on available collection locations.

As battery adoption grows, so do policies governing their safe use, management, and recycling. These measures range from expanding consumer education to incentives for collection programs, and product stewardship efforts – placing the responsibility of management onto manufacturers.

With the recent passing of several state Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, alongside federal policy actions for end-of-life battery management, ReMA works closely with policymakers to ensure the recycled materials industry’s concerns are heard and the essential role the industry plays in recycling these batteries is recognized. In response to ongoing policy action, ReMA established a Battery Policy Working Group dedicated to developing clear policy principles and model legislation for managing end-of-life batteries.

Industry-Led Safety Collaboration

Circle of Safety ExcellenceTM

The ReMA Circle of Safety Excellence ™ (COSE) is an initiative offered by ReMA to help improve worker, vehicle and facility safety within the recycling industry. The COSE members consist of like-minded companies which voluntarily come forward to share best practices and safety data for the betterment of their own safety operation, and at the same time be recognized by ReMA for their commitment to safety.

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Learn about the benefits of COSE

Additional Resources

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Members only

Fire Management Resources

Guidance to help recyclers better understand and mitigate potential fire risks. Tools include resources on how to create a fire prevention plan and be prepared in the event of a crisis management scenario.

Members only

Safety and Compliance

ReMA offers the SREA Reasonable Care Compliance Program to assist recyclers with the defense of a Superfund liability claim.

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Members only

Hazard Recognition in Recycling Program

Learn to recognize and correct hazards to help to create safer workplaces.

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On-Demand Courses

ReMA’s on-demand courses provide essential safety training around important industry-related topics such as electric vehicles, lockout/ tagout, forklift operation, and general safety best practices. These courses can be completed online, anytime.

View all on-demand courses