New research has uncovered a ‘golden circular opportunity’ to bring economic advantage and more green jobs to the country as part of its net-zero transition.
A report, commissioned by Zero Waste Scotland, in partnership with Transport Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, has forecasts that used batteries will triple over the next 25 years as demand grows across all sectors, potentially reaching over 60,000 tonnes per year in Scotland by 2045.
It highlights the potential for reprocessing batteries in Scotland using the nation’s green energy grid to reduce carbon emissions and creating new job opportunities. The reports, Battery use in Scotland now and in the future, adds to previous evidence that most used batteries – and the valuable and potentially hazardous materials they contain – are currently exported for recycling or sent to landfill.
By assessing the expected rising demand for batteries across key sectors, including transport, the agency found that around 40% of future battery waste could come from EVs.
The report recommends updating the existing Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for batteries. This is designed to give manufacturers a greater duty to minimise waste and associated emissions.
It also suggests an introduction of battery recycling targets and carbon footprint declarations to discourage waste. As well as designing new batteries with end of life in mind so they are easy to disassemble for re-use.
Minister for green skills, circular economy and biodiversity, Lorna Slater, said: “As we transition to a low carbon economy, batteries will play an increasingly important and welcome role in our transport and energy sectors.
“This valuable research from Zero Waste Scotland, commissioned by Scottish Enterprise and Transport Scotland, identifies the opportunities that current modern lithium battery technology can bring – including the potential to support a just transition and create new jobs in areas such as refining, repurposing and recycling.
“Even with zero emission technology, we cannot meet our world leading climate targets without a more circular economy here in Scotland. Conserving valuable and finite resources in a way which supports jobs, communities and our environment is a sensible approach we can all get behind.”
