A new analysis commissioned by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) reveals significant shortcomings in how Michiganders manage the ever-increasing number of batteries in their lives, including widespread public confusion, limited recycling access, and more than 10,000 tons of batteries heading to landfills each year.
The Michigan 2025 Battery Gap Analysis, conducted by Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), also highlights a major opportunity 鈥� with the right infrastructure and policies 鈥� to recover valuable materials, strengthen domestic supply chains, and reduce environmental and safety risks.
The study examined how聽people聽manage batteries at end聽of聽life, the volume of batteries generated and disposed of annually, and the accessibility of recycling options across the state. The analysis focused on common household batteries,聽including AAA, AA, C, D, 9V, button-cell, and coin types,聽while excluding automotive and electric vehicle batteries.
Findings reveal a fragmented system that struggles to keep pace with growing battery use. Improper disposal not only can cause fires and environmental contamination but also represents a missed opportunity to recover critical minerals that could be reused in manufacturing as part of Michigan鈥檚 circular economy.
鈥淩esident surveys indicated many residents are confused about where and how to recycle batteries,鈥� said Elisa Seltzer,聽NextCycle聽Michigan program聽director with RRS. 鈥淭his is reflective of the current state of end-of-life battery management in Michigan, with over 10,000 tons of batteries in the waste stream, limited access to drop-off sites, lack of clear information, and inconsistent program funding. However, 95% of those surveyed聽indicated聽a willingness to recycle batteries if convenient drop-offs and clear guidance were made聽available.鈥�