Lithium-ion batteries are of central importance in electromobility and energy storage. Recycling is an important step in closing their value chain. But what are the costs involved? A team from the Institute of Business Management in the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Münster has investigated this in a recent study. The results of the study have been published in the journal "Nature Reviews Clean Technology" under the title "Cost Modeling and Key Drivers in Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling".
In their study, doctoral student Lisa Schlott, junior research group leader Dr. Moritz Gutsch and Institute Director Jens Leker show that the costs of recycling lithium-ion batteries vary greatly depending on the battery type and recycling process. "The analysis of over 70 studies from around the world shows that it costs between one and 22 US dollars to recycle one kilogram of battery material," explains Lisa Schlott. However, the study also revealed that the transparency and comprehensibility of the cost models published to date leave much to be desired. "Battery recycling is expensive, and yet the costs for the machines required are not taken into account in some cost calculations," emphasizes Moritz Gutsch. This leads to a distortion of the results.
The profit can be calculated by deducting the costs of recycling from the proceeds from the sale of the recycled material. It is up to four US dollars per kilogram. There are several reasons for the high discrepancy, says Moritz Gutsch. For example: different recycling processes, different labor and energy costs or varying definitions of what is counted as a cost. "In principle, we consider the costs to be reasonable; after all, a profit is made in many cases," concludes the Münster-based research team.
The study at the interface between business administration and battery recycling is not only of scientific interest, but also of practical importance. After all, more economical processes in battery recycling can contribute to a sustainable future. The University of Münster is working on various aspects of battery research.
Original publication
Lisa Schlott, Moritz Gutsch, Jens Leker: Cost modeling and key drivers in lithium-ion battery recycling. Nature Reviews Clean Technology, DOI: 10.1038/s44359-025-00095-5
