Lithium-ion battery recycling plant opens

The 2 million research and development plant is in Golspie, Scotland, and has been built by AEA Technology to support its battery manufacturing activities in Thurso.

The Lithium-ion batteries produced by AEA Technology are used by the Ministry of Defence, but this type of batteries is also used in mobile phones and laptops. If the research project is successful the plant could be expanded into a full-scale recycling plant within two years.

The plant's development could be important with proposals for a new European Batteries Directive requiring the separate collection and recycling of all batteries. And, under the WEEE Directive, currently being implemented in the UK, batteries must be removed from waste electrical and electronic equipment before it is shredded for recycling. Recycling these batteries may be required if the UK is to meet recycling and recovery targets set by the WEEE Directive.

At the plant's official opening, Mr Wallace said: “With new environmental regulations coming into force next year, battery manufacturers and equipment suppliers will have to take for responsibility for the recycling of batteries. This plant is the first of its kind in Europe, positioning Scotland at the forefront of battery recycling technology and capability.”

Green jobs

Highlands and Islands Enterprise, with the backing of the Scottish Executive, provided 1 million funding to the project as part of a push to create more 'green jobs' in Scotland. When the plant is fully operational by the end of the year, it will support 30 new jobs.

Mr Wallace said: “This facility is a huge boost to the area and an excellent example of what we mean by green jobs.”

AEA's group managing director Andrew McCree added: “We are delighted to be part of the Executive's drive through its green jobs strategy to position Scotland as a world leader in the environmental sector and create green jobs.”

The UK does not yet have a recycling plant for portable or domestic batteries, but earlier this month G & P Batteries announced its plans to open a new plant in 2005 to recycle up to 1,500 tonnes a year of alkaline and zinc carbon batteries (see letsrecycle.com story).