As the world shifts toward electric vehicles, renewable energy, and portable electronics, demand for lithium — a key ingredient in rechargeable batteries — is skyrocketing.
With global consumption expected to quadruple by 2026, scientists say recycling used lithium batteries could be the key to reducing environmental damage and ensuring a steady supply for the future.
A new study from Edith Cowan University (ECU), published in the Journal of Environmental Management, highlights how reusing lithium from old batteries can support a circular economy, reduce waste, and make energy production more sustainable.
Ph.D. student Sadia Afrin explained that the lithium-ion battery market is growing fast, expected to reach $87.5 billion by 2027.
But many batteries, especially from electric vehicles, are discarded while still holding around 80% of their original lithium capacity.
That means most of their valuable materials are still available for use — if they’re recycled rather than left in storage or sent to landfill.
Australia alone could generate 137,000 tonnes of lithium battery waste every year by 2035, according to government estimates.
First author Asad Ali said this waste represents a massive opportunity. Recycling could recover not just lithium — already refined to about 99% purity — but also nickel and cobalt, all of which are valuable and in high demand.
While recycled lithium may not completely replace the need for mining, the environmental benefits are significant.
Mining one tonne of lithium can release up to 37 tonnes of carbon dioxide, use large amounts of water, and damage ecosystems. Recycling, on the other hand, produces up to 61% less carbon emissions, uses 83% less energy, and needs 79% less water.
“Hydrometallurgical recycling,” Mr. Ali explained, “can even make a profit of around $27.70 for every kilogram of lithium recovered. And because the lithium is already so pure, we save all the energy and water normally needed for further processing.”
ECU lecturer Dr. Muhammad Azhar noted that Australia has some of the largest lithium reserves in the world, but recovering lithium from old batteries offers extra environmental and economic benefits.
He added that as the mining industry switches to electric equipment, it could also become a source of used batteries ready for recycling.
However, challenges remain. Ms. Afrin pointed out that battery technology changes quickly, making recycling more complex, and that policies and infrastructure are lagging behind innovation.
“We need targeted investment to build the right recycling systems,” she said. “Fortunately, several Australian companies are already exploring the best approaches.”
The message is clear: lithium batteries shouldn’t be seen as waste, but as a valuable resource waiting for a second life. Recycling them could help power the clean energy revolution — while protecting the planet in the process.
