The US Environmental Protection Agency has proposed reclassifying spent lithium-ion batteries as “Universal Waste” under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, a regulatory change that would streamline collection and transport requirements for an estimated 500,000 tonnes of EV batteries expected to reach end of life annually by 2030. The proposal removes barriers that currently make battery collection economically unviable for many operators.
Regulatory Simplification
Under current hazardous waste rules, transporting spent batteries requires specialised permits, trained handlers, and manifesting systems that add $200-400 per tonne to collection costs. Universal Waste classification would allow standard shipping procedures, 90-day storage without permits, and simplified recordkeeping—dramatically improving the economics of collection for recyclers.
Industry groups have broadly welcomed the proposal, which aligns US regulations with the EU’s approach to battery waste management and removes a significant barrier to achieving high collection rates needed for a domestic circular battery supply chain.
