• Title of the study

Environmental analysis and Policy Comparison Studies for development of Battery Recycling System

• Research representative

Misuzu Asari, Kyoto University Environment Preservation Research Center

• Research members

Shin-ichi Sakai, Kyoto University Environment Preservation Research Center

Yasuhiro Hirai, Kyoto University Environment Preservation Research Center

Akiko Kida, Ehime University

Tomohiro Tasaki, National Institute for Environment Studies

Takahiro Miura, Kyoto City

## • Abstract

Batteries are broadly used in homes and industry, and various kinds exist according to the use. Some-kinds of battery contain toxic or precious substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, etc.) and the environmental impact in the disposal process has been researched over the past years, especially, as a typical example of household hazardous wastes. However, in Japan, the rate of collection and recycling is low and the discussion about management policy of them isn't enough. Therefore, the aim of this research is to get knowledge for developing the policy and management system of small batteries in Japan. We conducted flow analysis of major batteries and substances (NiCd battery and lithium ion battery), review of lifecycle assessment focusing on recycling and total product management system, international comparison between some countries (Japan, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Taiwan, etc.).

(1) Comparison of the policy and the studies on small batteries

With respect to policy on collection and recycling of small batteries, the system is established and it is possible to obtain the actual data about collection in Europe. However, in the United States and the Asian countries, the subject of battery is limited and related data is not collected (published) actually. All the small batteries are the subject to collection and the target of the collection rate and others are set characteristically in Europe. The collection rate varies greatly depending on the number of years which have challenged them for and the system in European countries. The collection rate in Switzerland is the highest. In Japan, the kinds of battery to collect are limited, and governmental response is opaque about the product whose demand is expected to increase (medium-sized batteries and others). And the collection rate in Japan is never higher than in European countries. Therefore enhancement of the system is considered important. In addition, the producer and governmental response to the risk of batteries (explosion of lithium-based battery as the latest problem) is also considered important.

## (2) Domestic flow analysis of small batteries

We conducted domestic flow analysis of cadmium in the NiCd battery and cobalt in lithium ion battery, both of which are representative of small batteries, using mainly statistics data and industry publication published by some industry organizations. In addition, we included the product which had these batteries built-in as the subject of the evaluation.

The result shows that batteries are the main products account for most of domestic material flows of both cadmium and cobalt, and significant product for thinking about the way of these materials management. It is also cleared that collection and recycling of both materials are not enough.

As for cadmium, the domestic demand is decreasing and the way of future resource management is