This report summarises insights from the “Waste Not, Watts Hot” webinar series on lithium-ion battery (LIB) waste management, with a focus on South Africa and India. It explores the growing challenge of end-of-life LIBs, driven by the rapid uptake of electronic devices and electric vehicles, and highlights the environmental and economic risks of inadequate recycling systems.
Drawing on expert contributions, the report presents diverse approaches to battery lifecycle management: from design for recycling and informal sector inclusion in South Africa, to India’s industrial-scale recovery of valuable materials through companies like BatX. It also reviews opportunities for repurposing EV batteries in second-life applications, skill development for a circular battery economy, and the role of policy frameworks such as Extended Producer Responsibility in enabling sustainable solutions.
By combining international experiences and local perspectives, the publication offers a roadmap for more responsible and circular management of LIBs. It aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders about strategies to minimise environmental impacts, recover critical materials, and create economic opportunities in the transition to a low-carbon future.
