As our economy increasingly turns to rechargeable batteries for everything from cell phones to power tools to e-bikes and automobiles, many of us worry about the environmental impact of mining the essential minerals for these batteries and their eventual disposal. But, thanks to new technology developed by firms such as Redwood Materials, 95% of the materials in lithium-ion batteries can be recovered, while keeping the battery supply chain here in the USA. And, the largest source of lithium and cobalt are in the junk drawers of America!
Rotary has developed a turnkey program for collection drives with Redwood Materials. This is an easy way to get the Rotary brand out in your community, engage with local youth, and help accelerate a new US recycling supply chain. Please see this link for a short video and further information on Rotary’s program https://esrag.org/lithium-ion-battery-recycling/
Our plan is to assist individual clubs in hosting a local collection drive on a Saturday they choose in April 2025 leading up to Earth Day. This can be done in conjunction with a local high school, in order to provide a physical drop-off location and to engage students in helping promote the event. Adding to the fun, the club collecting the most pounds of lithium-ion batteries will win a cash prize to be awarded at our District Conference in May!
If you are interested in helping your club participate, please contact Fred Reed before the end of October. Once I compile a roster of participating clubs, I will arrange a Zoom call with the leads at Redwood and Rotary’s ESRAG, in order to start assisting clubs plan and execute their event.
fredreed3415@gmail.com
208-631-0227
