ARA releases battery material use hierarchy

The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), Manassas, Virginia, has published a battery use hierarchy in partnership with the Lemont, Illinois-based Argonne National Laboratory.

The hierarchy describes putting batteries to their highest and best use and highlights a preferred path for batteries after they have served their initial purpose. The organization says encouraging and incentivizing the reuse, reconditioning, remanufacturing and repurposing of batteries that have served their initial purpose promotes a transition to battery electric power while reducing the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing a battery.

Each step in the hierarchy—listed from the most preferred outcome to the least preferred—represents a retention of the greatest value and energy already invested in the original battery. For example, the most preferred outcome is for batteries to be reused as originally intended and unmodified for use in another vehicle, while the least preferred outcome is disposal, such as the burning, vaporizing, neutralizing or landfilling of battery materials.

“While it is applicable to all battery types and chemistries, ARA and its members are taking the lead by actively advancing the national imperative of highest and best use of electric vehicle batteries," says Emil Nusbaum, ARA vice president of strategy, government and regulatory affairs. "Through this strategic relationship with the National Salvage Vehicle Reporting Program (NSVRP), ARA and its Certified Automotive Recycler (CAR) certified high voltage vehicle trained members are participating in the NSVRP battery registry program. This program is designed to help ensure that electric vehicle batteries that have served their initial purpose are directed to their highest and best use whenever possible.”

Formed in 1943, the ARA says it represents an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of green automotive parts and the proper recycling of inoperable motor vehicles. The organization represents the interests of over 4,500 auto recycling facilities in the United States and 14 other countries.