[SMM Analysis] How to Strategize Lithium Battery Scrap Recycling

With the rapid rise of the NEV industry, power batteries, as its core component, have seen explosive growth in usage. According to statistics, the current nationwide NEV ownership has exceeded 26.5 million units, with cumulative power battery installations surpassing 1,340 GWh. However, behind this green revolution lies an urgent environmental protection challenge: the recycling and disposal of lithium battery scrap.

Lithium battery scrap contains rare and valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. If not properly handled or disposed of carelessly, these batteries could lead to significant resource wastage and pose severe potential threats to soil, water sources, and other ecological environments. Therefore, establishing a standardized and environmentally friendly recycling system for lithium battery scrap to achieve effective resource recycling is a critical step in practicing the concept of green development and advancing ecological civilization.

In recent years, governments, enterprises, and research institutions have actively explored the field of lithium battery scrap recycling. Local governments have introduced a series of policies and measures to encourage recycling, providing strong legal support and financial incentives for the work. Meanwhile, various recycling models have emerged, such as establishing lithium battery scrap recycling networks and offering door-to-door recycling services, making it convenient for car owners and battery producers to hand over used batteries to professional institutions for processing. Additionally, some regions have explored the "trade-in" recycling model, which has further promoted the recycling of used batteries and the consumption of NEVs.

However, the recycling and disposal of lithium battery scrap still face numerous issues and challenges. To further advance the standardized recycling and disposal of lithium battery scrap, breakthroughs are needed in the following areas: Research institutions and enterprises should play a leading role in developing efficient and environmentally friendly recycling technologies, striving to minimize environmental impacts during the recycling process. Governments should legislate to clarify the responsibilities and obligations of power battery producers, users, and recycling companies, ensuring that recycling and disposal work is legally compliant and systematically regulated. In terms of public participation, efforts should be made to raise awareness and engagement through media campaigns, community activities, and other means to educate the public on lithium battery scrap recycling and disposal.