$14 million initiative will establish more than 1,000 collection points for recycling batteries and electronic devices across the U.S.

In an effort to enhance the sustainability of domestic supply chains and reduce e-waste, the U.S. Department of Energy has launched a $14 million initiative to establish more than 1,000 battery recycling collection points for used batteries at Batteries Plus and Staples stores across the nation.

"At DOE we're excited to help create a circular, sustainable domestic supply chain," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm.

Recycling spent batteries not only reduces e-waste but also provides American manufacturers with additional critical minerals. The nickel, lithium, graphite, cobalt, manganese, copper, and other materials to be recycled from outdated electronics are essential for manufacturing new batteries and other products within the clean energy sector.

Creating a robust recycling ecosystem aims to strengthen the domestic battery supply chain and reduce reliance on foreign sources for these critical materials.

"With hundreds of drop-off points across the country, we're making it easier to recycle batteries from old cellphones and laptops – in-turn allowing us to reuse the critical minerals we would normally source from China for new clean energy manufacturing," the Energy Secretary added.

Supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by DOE's Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains Office (MESC), the Retailers Battery Collection and Recycling Program provides American consumers with a convenient and safe means to recycle batteries and battery-containing devices such as cellphones, laptops, vacuums, and smartwatches, to name a few.

"We always hear about the promise of 'mining' the mountain of old electronics that all of us inevitably have in our kitchen drawers. Today, the DOE announced $14 million to amplify those efforts by supporting build out of consumer collection facilities at both Staples & Batteries Plus locations across the nation." U.S. Deputy Director for Batteries and Critical Materials Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes posted to LinkedIn on July 9.

Staples and Batteries Plus are the first to be selected to receive over $7 million each to install e-waste drop-off locations at their stores, many of which will be targeted in disadvantaged communities to align with the Justice40 Initiative.

Before funding is issued, DOE and the selected retailers will undergo a negotiation process to finalize the details of the initiative. DOE has emphasized its commitment to ensuring that the benefits of this program flow to marginalized communities, promoting environmental justice and economic development.

The latest initiative by the DOE represents a significant step towards creating a sustainable and circular economy for battery use and recycling in the United States. By making it easier for consumers to recycle their used batteries, the program aims to build a more resilient and environmentally friendly domestic minerals supply chain.

"Time to clean out those kitchen drawers!" urged Zumwalt-Forbes.