“正规军”干不过小作坊 动力电池的回收之困

Core Viewpoint - The battery recycling market is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and diverse applications, but it faces significant challenges from unregulated small workshops that undermine legitimate businesses [1][3][4]. Market Overview - The domestic battery recycling volume is expected to exceed 300,000 tons in 2024, with a market size of 48 billion yuan [4]. - The recycling of retired batteries has both environmental and economic value, as they contain valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel [4]. Challenges for Legitimate Companies - Legitimate companies face high operational costs and technological investments, making them less competitive against unqualified small workshops that offer lower prices [3][4]. - Only 156 out of approximately 200,000 battery recycling companies in China are on the "white list," indicating a severe lack of compliance among the majority [4]. Cost and Pricing Issues - The industry is experiencing a cost inversion, where raw material costs exceed product prices, creating significant operational pressure for legitimate companies [5]. - The price of lithium has dropped from 590,000 yuan per ton to over 70,000 yuan, which is below the production cost of 80,000 to 120,000 yuan per ton [5]. Illegal Operations and Environmental Impact - Over 60% of retired batteries are funneled through illegal channels, posing environmental hazards due to improper handling and disposal [6][7]. - Small workshops operate with minimal costs and often use dangerous methods for battery disassembly, leading to severe environmental pollution [6][7]. Regulatory and Technological Challenges - Current regulations are inconsistent, with lead-acid batteries facing strict controls while lithium batteries are treated as general industrial waste, allowing small workshops to thrive [8]. - The rapid evolution of battery technology necessitates continuous innovation in recycling processes, which adds to the cost pressures faced by legitimate companies [8][9]. Innovation and Solutions - Companies are focusing on technological innovation to create competitive advantages, with some achieving higher recovery rates and purity levels in battery recycling [10]. - Collaborative efforts are being made to enhance recycling networks and streamline processes, making battery disposal more convenient for consumers [11]. Regulatory Developments - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is tightening regulations, requiring battery manufacturers to ensure their products are processed by "white list" companies [12]. - There is a growing recognition of the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework to address the challenges in the battery recycling industry [13][15]. Future Directions - The industry is urged to adopt a producer responsibility extension system to ensure accountability in battery recycling [10][15]. - A shift from policy-driven to market-driven approaches is recommended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of battery recycling [14].