What’s Happening
Li-Cycle Holdings Corp., North America’s leading lithium-ion battery recycler, recently welcomed Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona to its innovative recycling facility in Gilbert, Arizona. Accompanied by Tim Johnston, Li-Cycle’s co-founder and Executive Chair, Governor Hobbs engaged in a comprehensive tour of the company’s Spoke facility.
Why It Matters
This visit underscores the growing importance of lithium-ion battery recycling in fostering a sustainable, clean energy future. As electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage solutions become increasingly prevalent, efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly recycling of lithium-ion batteries gains critical importance. Li-Cycle’s unique submerged shredding recycling technology allows for comprehensive processing of entire EV and energy storage battery packs without manual disassembly or discharging. This proprietary technology is capable of recycling all types of lithium-ion battery materials, regardless of their chemistry or form factor.
Key Points
The Arizona-based Spoke facility of Li-Cycle has the capacity to recycle up to 18,000 tonnes of lithium-ion battery material annually. This makes it a significant contributor to the development of the green economy in the state and the country. During the tour, Governor Hobbs and Li-Cycle’s leadership discussed the role of the clean tech industry in Arizona’s economy, as well as the necessity of efficient battery recycling. Governor Hobbs emphasized the importance of Li-Cycle’s operations in the growing clean tech and manufacturing ecosystem of the East Valley, labeling the company as a testament to Arizona’s leadership in green manufacturing.
Bottom Line
Li-Cycle continues to play a pivotal role in the expansion of a sustainable battery ecosystem and EV supply chain across Arizona and the wider U.S. By hosting Governor Hobbs at their Gilbert facility, the company demonstrated its commitment to collaborating with local communities to create a cleaner, domestic supply chain for essential battery-grade materials. These efforts aim to facilitate the transition towards electrification, reinforcing the role of Arizona as a leader in the clean energy economy.
