The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) is pleased to publish the following Battery Material Use Hierarchy (the Hierarchy) created in collaboration with the Argonne National Laboratory. The Hierarchy describes putting batteries to their highest and best use and highlights a preferred path of batteries after they have served their initial purpose. Encouraging and incentivizing the reuse, reconditioning, remanufacturing, and repurposing of batteries that have served their initial purpose promotes a transition to battery electric power while reducing the carbon footprint associated with the manufacturing of a battery. Each step in the Hierarchy (from most preferred outcome to least preferred outcome) represents a retention of the greatest value and energy already invested in the original battery.

While the Hierarchy is applicable to all battery types and chemistries, ARA and its members are taking the lead by actively advancing the national imperative of highest and best use of electric vehicle batteries. Through its strategic relationship with the National Salvage Vehicle Reporting Program (NSVRP), ARA and its certified high voltage vehicle trained members are participating in the NSVRP battery registry program. This program is designed to help ensure that electric vehicle batteries that have served their initial purpose are directed to their highest and best use whenever possible. ARA would also like to thank ARA Past President, Scott Robertson Jr. of Robertson’s Auto Salvage (Wareham, MA), for his leadership and assistance.

For more information, please contact Emil Nusbaum, JD/CIPP/US at emil@a-r-a.org