First Mile launches scheme to recycle electric vehicle batteries

First Mile has launched a new service to recycle the lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) commonly found in electric vehicles.

Industry analysts predict that by 2030, two million metric tons of used LIBs will be generated across the world every year.

First Mile said that over time, LIBs degrade and come to the end of their rechargeable life and it is at this point that they are often deemed useless and destined for landfill.

However, LIBs still contain precious metals and elements that can be recovered.  

All of the LIBs collected by First Mile will be “responsibly stored and then safely transported” to specialist recycling facilities in mainland Europe.

Here, a recycling process that uses auto-thermal heat treatment and mechanical treatments will recover aluminium, copper, nickel cobalt, and steel from the batteries. 

Bruce Bratley, chief executive and founder of First Mile, said: “Adding LIB recycling to our suite of recycling services is a really positive step forward for an item that has gained in popularity over the years.

“At First Mile, we know from our own green fleet just how much of a positive difference that switching to electric vehicles can have on the environment, but, it’s vitally important that green intentions are maintained throughout the lifecycle of a product.

“Recycling all components of a product at the end of its useable life is the best way to divert waste from landfill and safeguard our planet’s natural resources.” 

First Mile will provide LIB collections of up to 30kg with fees calculated on a cost per/kg basis.

Additional services can be provided for heavier collections, as well as damaged LIBs.

First Mile will provide recycling reports and all compliance documentation as part of the service, and all LIBs are trackable from the point of collection, until they reach their final recycling destination.