Building a Circular Battery Economy

Cirba Solutions is Investing Resources in the Safe Handling and Recycling 
of EV Batteries to Build a Network that Auto Recyclers Can Count On.

Interview by Caryn Smith with Danielle Spalding, Cirba Solutions

Creating a circular battery economy requires participation at every level. Battery recyclers help provide infrastructure and expertise, but automotive recyclers are powerful advocates. Automotive recyclers are uniquely positioned to help.

Automotive Recycling™ ToolBox Editor Caryn Smith sat down with Danielle Spalding of Cirba Solutions to discuss the current state of EV battery recycling, and the efforts her company is making to ensure that a reliable battery recycling system is available to auto recyclers.

As the premier battery recycling materials and management company, Cirba Solutions is leading the industry with 35 years of experience, driving innovation, sustainability, and efficiency across the entire process. With six facilities, they have the largest operational footprint across North America. Cirba Solutions handles all battery chemistries and formats and work with a variety of partners to collect end-of-life and scrap batteries, contributing to the creation of a dynamic, closed-loop domestic supply chain.

Danielle has more than 20 years as a public affairs and marketing professional and nearly 10 years in the battery industry. She drives company growth and brand reputation with innovative, creative, and forward-thinking initiatives. A trusted leader in battery policy and implementation, Danielle combines deep global expertise in battery recycling and sustainable critical mineral refinement with innovative ideas that help move the industry forward. She supports the industry in many roles including on the Board of Directors of the Battery Materials & Technology Coalition (BMTC) and her work as Chairperson of ReMAs (Recycled Materials Association) Battery Policy Workgroup.

TOOLBOX:  What makes Cirba Solutions a leading expert in battery recycling, especially in the EV sector?

What differentiates Cirba Solutions is our unmatched 35 years of expertise in battery recycling processing and handling the complexities of used and scrap batteries through a vertically integrated approach. From collection and logistics, to disassembly, and all the way through to the recovery of critical minerals. That experience matters in an industry where battery technologies, regulations, chemistries, and the EV market are evolving. 

For automotive recyclers, having an experienced battery recycling partner is crucial. Safely handling EV batteries goes beyond the materials found within them – storage transportation and regulatory compliance must all be considered. With our full-service capabilities, our teams are equipped to help customers navigate the dynamics of end-of-life EV batteries and how to properly and responsibly dispose of them. 

TOOLBOX:  Why is it a priority for Cirba Solutions to invest in educating consumers on proper and safe battery recycling? What tools has the company developed to build awareness?

Ninety-nine percent of Americans say they use lithium-ion battery-powered items daily. Recent research shows that EV adoption is likely to grow—35 percent of non-EV drivers surveyed said they are planning to buy an EV in the next 12-36 months. Considering how often lithium-ion batteries are used, it’s very telling that education needs to be a priority. Related to EVs, 60 percent of owners have not thought about what to do when a battery reaches end-of-life; more than 40 percent are unsure how long it will last; and nearly 50 percent do not know when it should be replaced.

Improper handling, storage, and transportation of batteries can create safety concerns, especially for those that are damaged, defective, or recalled (DDR). For automotive recyclers, those risks can extend beyond the battery itself to employees, facilities, and more. Because of this, education and training need to be proactive rather than reactive.

Cirba Solutions invests in resources that help industry partners better understand how to identify, handle, store, package, and transport batteries safely. This includes educational materials and guidance around battery safety, packaging, and Department of Transportation (DOT) shipping requirements. We also participate in community events, partner with local agencies, and provide locations where consumers can access convenient locations to recycle batteries.

TOOLBOX:  EV batteries present safety risks; how can you prevent an incident from happening or handle a battery that has gone into thermal runaway?

One of the most important things to understand is that a battery does not have to look damaged to pose a risk. Collision damage, environmental exposure, punctures, improper disassembly, electrical faults, or other forms can compromise a battery and increase the potential for a thermal event.

Prevention starts with proper training and procedures. Employees should know how to identify and assess batteries, recognize signs of damage or instability, and follow appropriate protocols for handling, isolating, and storing. DDR batteries require different handling and packaging, along with additional regulations per DOT requirements.

If there is smoke coming from a battery, if it’s rapidly heating or showing signs of a thermal event, follow emergency response plans for your site, maintain a safe distance, and contact emergency responders. Thermal events involving lithium-ion batteries may behave differently than other materials, so it’s important to collaborate with first responders and qualified battery experts in advance of an event to be better prepared.

TOOLBOX:  What are the benefits of having a protocol and system in place 
for handling EV batteries?

With safety top of mind, a defined process gives employees direction on how to identify, assess, handle, store, and prepare EV batteries for compliant and proper end-of-life disposal. When everyone is educated on the process, which includes knowing what to do when a battery is damaged, it helps to enhance safety and mitigate risks to teams, facilities, and the community.

Overall, having a defined process can give you peace of mind, save your company time, help you adhere to regulatory guidelines, and reduce disruptions to your business.

TOOLBOX:  Why is it important for auto recyclers in the U.S. to ensure their scrap EV batteries and other lithium-ion batteries that contain critical minerals stay in the U.S.-based circular economy?

End-of-life EV batteries contain critical minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, etc., and right now the United States is heavily dependent on foreign entities for these materials. When we prioritize the diversification of our sourcing streams —battery recycling is a perfect example—for critical minerals we can achieve:

•  
Stronger supply chains that are less vulnerable to disruptions.

•  
Strengthened national security.

•  
Positioning the U.S. as competitive players in the global critical minerals industry.

If we look at auto recyclers specifically, when we prioritize a domestic supply chain and closed-loop approach, more vehicles would ultimately be captured domestically and shipped to an automotive recycler, rather than being shipped overseas where a foreign entity will be the one to handle it at end-of-life and determine where those materials end up.

TOOLBOX:  What questions should an automotive recycler ask of a potential EV battery recycler to ensure they are ethically and responsibly handled?

Choosing an EV battery recycling partner should involve more than simply asking about monetary value, as automotive recyclers are entrusting that partner with a potentially hazardous product so it is important to understand how the battery will be managed.

Ask about the company’s experience and capabilities. Do they actually process lithium-ion batteries, or are they brokering the material to someone else? Where will your batteries physically go?

You also want to ask about safety and logistics. Can the company help assess battery condition and determine the right packaging, storage methods, and ensure compliance with transportation requirements? Do they have experience managing DDR batteries? What documentation and tracking will be provided throughout the process?

Further, from an environmental perspective, ask what permits and certifications they possess and how they maintain compliance with relevant transportation and environmental agencies. 

TOOLBOX:  What are the best practices to follow when preparing a battery for transportation?

The first step is knowing exactly what you have and understanding its condition. The transport of lithium-ion batteries is regulated by DOT, including requirements for packaging and labeling, which can vary based on the battery chemistry, size, and whether it’s DDR.

Before a battery is packaged and transported, it needs to be assessed for signs of damage or instability, such as punctures, leaking, swelling, unusual heat, burn marks, etc. Terminals need to be properly protected against short circuits—this can be done by taping the terminals with clear tape, placing in a clear anti-static bag, or for larger-format batteries using cardboard, placed in between batteries or 
in a box. Proper packaging for its condition, labeling, documentation, and logistics coordination are also critical parts of the process.

It’s also important not to assume that every EV battery can be packaged and shipped the same way. A battery removed intact from a vehicle under normal circumstances can present a very different transportation scenario than one recovered from an accident, fire, or flood. Damaged or defective batteries require specialized packaging, handling, and transportation procedures.

TOOLBOX:  Cirba Solutions’ research found there is a lack of awareness from consumers on recycling batteries. How can an auto recycler participate in community education to help close this gap?

Based on the findings, it’s clear there are knowledge gaps. Related to EVs, for individuals who said they are planning to purchase an EV, 55 percent cited they have “some knowledge” when it comes to EV battery safety and about half said they have “no knowledge” of battery recycling. Consumers may understand that batteries should be recycled, but that does not mean they know what to do when they reach end-of-life. As battery-powered products, including electric vehicles, continue to reach end-of-life in greater numbers, closing that knowledge gap becomes increasingly important.

Improper disposal of end-of-life batteries or manufacturing scrap goes beyond losing valuable materials. Lithium-ion batteries that enter municipal waste or traditional recycling streams can present risks to employees, facilities, and the greater community. When a battery is properly disposed of and recycled, we are not only leaving positive impacts on the environment, but we are also recovering critical minerals that can go back into the domestic supply chain and be used over and over again to make new products, including batteries.