In a collaborative effort to address the escalating problem of electronic waste (e-waste), Pyxera Global and Terra have launched the “Done with It” pilot program, with the American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) leading the charge in recycling operations. Supported by FedEx, this initiative aims to recycle lithium-ion batteries from discarded electronics, representing a substantial stride towards a more sustainable logistics sector.
The program encourages U.S. residents to contribute their outdated laptops and tablets. These devices undergo a comprehensive process, including the erasure of internal memory, before being assessed for repair or recycling. The batteries extracted from these devices are designated for ABTC’s facility in Nevada, where they undergo the removal of metal materials for reuse, particularly in electric vehicle batteries.
Running from August 23 to December 15, 2023, the pilot program is designed to assess the viability of recovering used electronics on a commercial scale. The primary objective is to salvage crucial components and materials from consumer laptops and tablets before they end up in landfills.
Upon collection, the electronic devices are transported to a secure FedEx facility in middle Tennessee. Subsequently, their batteries are shipped to ABTC’s recycling center in Nevada.
ABTC, headquartered in Nevada, has recently initiated operations at its commercial-scale lithium-ion battery recycling facility. This venture signifies a shift in perspective, viewing end-of-life batteries not as waste but as valuable resources. Utilizing a hydrometallurgical process, ABTC extracts essential battery materials, championing a sustainable and ethical approach to sourcing these critical materials. The process not only diminishes the environmental impact but also reduces dependence on conventional mining methods, ushering in a new era of resource recovery and recycling.
As the volume of e-waste continues to rise, initiatives like the “Done with It” pilot program become crucial in steering the logistics and technology sectors towards a circular economy. By tapping into the untapped potential of e-waste, especially lithium-ion batteries, stakeholders can significantly mitigate the environmental costs associated with electronic gadgets and propel the industry towards a sustainable future.
