Recovery of Metals from Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Green Solvents: A Sustainable Approach to Reducing Waste and Environmental Impact

Abstract

The recovery of critical metals from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is essential to reduce environmental impacts and promote circular economy strategies. This study developed a sustainable and scalable process for the recovery and complete valorization of lithium, cobalt, and other valuable components from end-of-life LIBs. Hydrometallurgical treatment using biodegradable citric and oxalic acids was employed as a green alternative to conventional inorganic acids, achieving high selectivity and reduced environmental impact. Experimental work was conducted on 3 kg of LIBs from discarded laptop batteries (Dell and HP). After safe discharge and dismantling, the cathode materials were thermally treated at 300 °C to detach active components, followed by acid leaching in 1 M citric acid at 30 °C, pH 2.5, and 6 h of reaction. Lithium and cobalt were recovered as oxalates with efficiencies of 90% and 85%, respectively, while copper, aluminum, and graphite were separated through mechanical and thermal processes. Beyond metal recovery, the process demonstrates a circular upcycling approach, transforming recovered materials into functional products such as aluminum keychains, copper jewelry, and graphite-based pencils. This integrated strategy connects hydrometallurgical extraction with material reuse, advancing toward a zero-waste, closed-loop system for sustainable LIB recycling and local resource valorization.

1. Introduction

Recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) represents one of the most significant challenges and opportunities in the transition toward a more sustainable economy. These batteries have revolutionized energy storage, becoming essential in electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems [1]. However, the proliferation of these technologies has raised increasing concerns about their environmental impact and end-of-life waste management.

According to recent studies by Zeng et al. [2], Zhang et al. [3], and Liu et al. [4], the global production of lithium-ion batteries has continued to rise, driven primarily by the surge in electric vehicle sales and the increasing demand for portable devices. While this growth benefits energy sustainability, it poses significant challenges, including the depletion of key natural resources and the accumulation of hazardous waste [5]. LIBs contain critical metals like lithium and cobalt, whose primary extraction is costly and environmentally intensive. Additionally, these metals are classified as strategic resources, reinforcing the need for efficient recovery and recycling processes [6].

According to reports from leading institutions specializing in sustainability and circular economy, less than 5% of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries are recycled worldwide [7]. This contrasts with lead-acid batteries, which achieve recycling rates above 85% [8]. The lack of proper LIB recycling represents a significant economic loss and contributes to environmental degradation due to the release of heavy metals and toxic compounds [9].

In the field of hydrometallurgy, several studies have been conducted using different types of inorganic acids to recover valuable metals (lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel) present in this waste, such as sulfuric acid [10,11], hydrochloric acid [12], nitric acid [13], and ammonia leaching [14]. Nayl et al. [15] developed a process for recovering lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel from commercial lithium cell battery models, utilizing two primary leaching steps and one acid leaching step, with recovery rates of approximately 90% for each metal. Meanwhile, Peeters et al. [16] achieved recoveries of lithium and cobalt using organic solvents known as deep eutectic solvents.

The development of advanced hydrometallurgical methods, including green solvent leaching, chemical precipitation, and the sustainable valorization of residual materials, has been a cornerstone of this study. Integrating these processes within a circular economy strategy addresses environmental issues and provides economically viable solutions for the recycling industry.

This research presents a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges, highlighting the design and implementation of an optimized process for LIB recycling. The primary objective is to maximize the recovery of valuable metals, such as lithium and cobalt, through advanced methodologies while ensuring environmental sustainability. The activities described include the safe discharge and dismantling of batteries, the selective recovery of key components, and the characterization of materials for further valorization. Additionally, optimal operating conditions for implementing these processes in a controlled environment are evaluated.

This work outlines the efforts made to optimize the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, aligning with principles of sustainability and the circular economy. The results represent a significant step toward the responsible management of critical resources, contributing to the development of a cleaner and more sustainable energy model. It is important to clarify that the present study employed aqueous solutions of biodegradable organic acids (citric and oxalic acids) as environmentally friendly reagents for metal recovery.

2. Results

The processing of 70 end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, corresponding to approximately 3000 g, enabled the efficient recovery of multiple material streams, including active metals, conductive phases, and structural components. Before processing, the batteries were safely discharged in an 8% sodium chloride solution and subsequently dismantled to separate their components. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed methodology, which combines hydrometallurgical and thermal treatments in a complementary manner. Thermal pretreatment facilitated the safe removal of volatile components and improved the reactivity of cathode materials, while hydrometallurgical leaching and chemical precipitation enabled the selective recovery of lithium and cobalt. In parallel, mechanical separation and secondary valorization allowed the recovery of copper, aluminum, graphite, plastics, and steel. This integrated approach not only maximized overall recovery yields but also confirmed the potential of the process as a scalable strategy for sustainable battery recycling.

2.1. Characterization of the Lithium-Ion Batteries

2.1.1. Chemical Characterization of the Lithium-Ion Batteries

Table 1. Chemical characterization of the lithium-ion battery cathode.

Element	Content (%)
Co	57.4
Li *	10.1
Mn	14.3
Al	10.8
Ni	<1
Cu	<1

* Lithium was analyzed separately by atomic absorption spectroscopy due to its light atomic weight.

presents the chemical characterization of the lithium-ion battery cathode obtained through X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis.

The chemical characterization of the lithium-ion battery cathode reveals that cobalt (57.4%) is the predominant element, confirming its key role as the primary active component of the cathode material. Manganese (14.3%) and lithium (10.1%), the latter quantified separately by atomic absorption spectroscopy due to its low atomic weight, represent secondary but significant fractions that contribute to the electrochemical performance of the battery. The relatively low concentrations of nickel (<1%) suggest its presence either as a dopant in the cathode matrix or as a structural element in the current collectors, along with aluminum (10.8%). Copper (<1%) appears only in trace amounts, likely from residual anode contamination or conductive pathways. The remaining percentage corresponds primarily to oxygen and light elements (e.g., carbon, oxygen, and binder residues) not detected by XRF analysis.

Table 2. Chemical characterization of the lithium-ion battery anode.

Element	Content (%)
Cu	66.2
Mn	<1
Li *	<1
Co	<1
Ni	<1
Al	<1
Fe	<1

* Lithium was analyzed separately by atomic absorption spectroscopy due to its light atomic weight.

presents the chemical characterization of the lithium-ion battery anode obtained through X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis.

The chemical characterization of the lithium-ion battery anode reveals that copper (66.2%) is the dominant component, consistent with its role as the primary current collector in anode structures. The remaining detected elements—manganese, nickel, aluminum, and iron (all <1%)—appear only in trace amounts, most likely as impurities or cross-contamination from the cathode and other cell components.

XRF quantifies metallic elements such as Cu, whereas graphite is identified separately by XRD analysis, confirming its predominance in the anode structure.

2.1.2. Mineralogical Characterization of the Lithium-Ion Batteries

Table 3. Mineralogical characterization of the Lithium-ion batteries.

Mineral *	Formula	Cathode	Anode
Lithium Cobalt Oxide	LiCoO2	+++
Lithium Manganese Oxide	LiMn2O4	++
Graphite	C		+++

* The XRD analysis reflected only the relative abundance of the mineral phases, as the sample did not exhibit complete crystallinity. (+++ High abundance; ++ medium abundance).

presents the mineralogical characterization of the lithium-ion battery anode and cathode obtained through X-ray diffraction analysis.

The mineralogical analysis highlights the contrasting composition of cathode and anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The cathode is dominated by lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂, +++), the principal active phase responsible for lithium intercalation, accompanied by a secondary fraction of lithium manganese oxide (LiMn₂O₄, ++), which may indicate the use of mixed cathode chemistries to improve performance and stability.

On the other hand, the anode is composed almost entirely of graphite (C, +++), confirming its role as the primary host material for lithium during charging and discharging. The absence of other crystalline phases in the anode fraction underscores its simpler mineralogy compared to the cathode.

Overall, the results confirm that cathodes exhibit a complex multiphase structure enriched in transition-metal oxides, while anodes are characterized by a carbon-dominant structure, which simplifies their recovery.

2.2. Recovery of Active Material (Lithium and Cobalt Oxide)

A total of 235.3 g of active material was recovered, 180 g in the form of lithium and cobalt oxalates, corresponding to 7.8% of the total active mass processed from the batteries. The mineral phases of these oxalate species were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm their composition, as shown in

Table 4. Mineralogical analysis of the oxalic acid precipitate after citric acid leaching.

Mineral *	Formula	Content
Lithium hydrogen Oxalate hydrate	C2HLiO4·H2O	++
Cobalt Oxalate hydrate	C2CoO4·2H2O	+++

* The XRD analysis reflected only the relative abundance of the mineral phases, as the sample did not exhibit complete crystallinity. (+++ High abundance; ++ medium abundance).

. The recovery efficiencies reached approximately 90% during the acid leaching stage with citric acid and 85% in the subsequent precipitation with oxalic acid. These values confirm the high effectiveness of the implemented methodology, enabling the selective extraction of lithium and cobalt under mild chemical conditions consistent with green chemistry principles. The final product—powdered lithium and cobalt oxalates, shown in Figure 1—represents a valuable precursor for the synthesis of lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂), which can be reintegrated into the production of new cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

2.3. Recovery of Aluminum

A total of 885.3 g of aluminum was recovered, representing 29.5% of the total battery mass. The aluminum originated from cathode collector sheets and external casing materials. Clean ingots were obtained after thermal calcination at 300 °C for material separation and subsequent melting at 850 °C. The recovered aluminum was further utilized in the fabrication of keychains, demonstrating its potential for direct valorization into functional products, as shown in Figure 2.

2.4. Recovery of Graphite

Approximately 459.9 g of graphite was recovered, representing 15.3% of the total battery mass. The recovery process involved mechanical washing, centrifugation at 4000 rpm, and drying at 80 °C. After sieving, the final product was obtained as a fine powder with high purity. As confirmed by the mineralogical characterization of the anode (Table 3), the material is composed almost entirely of graphite, while the elemental analysis (Table 2) indicates that the metallic content is restricted to trace levels. These findings validate the efficiency of the recovery process and highlight graphite as the predominant and most valuable component of the anode fraction. Furthermore, the recovered graphite can be reused in the production of functional articles such as pencil leads or as a lubricant in metal casting processes, as illustrated in Figure 3.

2.5. Recovery of Copper

A total of 354.3 g of copper was recovered, corresponding to 11.8% of the total battery mass. The copper originated from the anode collector sheets and was melted at 1150 °C to produce high-purity ingots. The minimal presence of impurities and the clean separation from graphite residues confirm the suitability of this copper for applications in electrical components and alloy manufacturing, as shown in Figure 4.

2.6. Recovery of Additional Materials (Plastic and Steel)

The remaining 1065.2 g (approximately 35.5% of the battery mass) comprised mixed materials, including polymer casings, plastic films, and steel parts from structural components. While these materials were not subjected to advanced recovery techniques, they were carefully segregated for potential downstream processing. Plastics may be repurposed into non-structural parts, while steel elements could be reintroduced into metallurgical cycles after appropriate sorting and cleaning.

3. Discussion

3.1. Characterization of the Lithium-Ion Batteries

The chemical and mineralogical characterization of the lithium-ion batteries from laptops used in this study revealed that their composition primarily corresponds to lithium cobalt oxide, with a smaller proportion of lithium manganese oxide. According to Rangarajan et al. [17], lithium cobalt oxide is typically found in batteries used in portable electronic devices, such as cell phones, laptops, and digital cameras, whereas lithium manganese oxide is more commonly used in power tools, electric motorcycles, and certain laptop models. These results are consistent with the findings of these authors, who classify different types of lithium-ion batteries based on the oxides present in the active material.

While the theoretical content of LiCoO₂ and LiMn₂O₄ could be estimated from elemental composition, the relative abundances were determined by XRD analysis. Because the cathode material was not fully crystalline, the phase percentages could not be precisely quantified. Moreover, the primary objective of this study was not the recovery of these oxides, but the complete valorization of all battery components under a circular economy approach.

3.2. Recovered Material and Its Subsequent Valorization

3.2.1. Active Material

The hydrometallurgical recovery of lithium and cobalt as oxalates, with efficiencies of 90% during the leaching stage and 85% in the chemical precipitation stage, demonstrates the robustness of the developed methodology and is consistent with previous studies. Li et al. [18] reported recovery rates of 90% for Co and 100% for Li using citric acid as the leaching agent, while Gerold et al. [19] achieved the precipitation of lithium and cobalt as oxalates with yields ranging from 90% to 95% for both metals. In the present study, the confirmation of crystalline phases by XRD further validates the quality of the obtained product, as shown in Table 4. It is worth noting that these oxalates can be transformed into LiCoO₂, enabling their reintegration into the production of new cathode materials. Furthermore, alternative valorization pathways for cathode active materials have been reported by Chen et al. [20], Zheng et al. [21], Xing et al. [22], and Zhang et al. [3], showing high upcycling potential to reduce the carbon footprint and representing an ecological and sustainable approach to battery material utilization aimed at minimizing waste generation.

A comparative analysis between green organic acids and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) highlights the practical and environmental advantages of the approach used in this work. The application of citric acid as a leaching agent and oxalic acid as a precipitating agent provides a simple, low-cost, and biodegradable alternative to conventional and eutectic systems. These organic acids are derived from renewable sources, are readily available, and do not require additional synthesis or purification steps, making them ideal for large-scale implementation in developing countries where access to complex reagents may be limited. Therefore, the use of citric and oxalic acids in aqueous media represents a simpler, faster, and more scalable route for sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling, combining environmental compatibility with operational feasibility.

3.2.2. Copper and Aluminum

The recovery of copper and aluminum from lithium-ion batteries represents a strategic axis within recycling processes, as both metals account for significant fractions of the total mass and hold high value for reintegration into industry. In this study, 885.3 g of aluminum and 354.3 g of copper were recovered, confirming the relevance of these materials in the structural and functional composition of batteries, mainly as current collectors and external components.

Thermal treatment of aluminum, involving calcination at 300 °C followed by melting at 850 °C, enabled the production of clean ingots. These ingots, in addition to their potential applications in the automotive, aerospace, and packaging industries, were also used in the fabrication of recycled aluminum keychains. This upcycling pathway demonstrates that, beyond conventional recycling, it is possible to transform waste into functional products with added value, thereby reinforcing the link between sustainability and social awareness.

In the case of copper, melting at 1150 °C yielded high-purity ingots with minimal impurities and an efficient separation from graphite residues. This confirms its suitability for use in electrical components and metal alloy production, while also opening the possibility for its utilization in functional items such as sustainable jewelry, thereby diversifying its value chain.

It is worth noting that other studies have explored complementary pathways for the recovery and valorization of copper and aluminum from LIBs. For instance, Khatibi et al. [23] applied purification processes of copper and aluminum foils for their reuse in the fabrication of new batteries; Saneie et al. [24] employed froth flotation with an environmentally responsible approach to separate these metals; and Widijatmoko et al. [25] reported their recovery through a cutting-milling process.

3.2.3. Graphite

In this study, the recovery of 459.9 g of graphite, representing 15.3% of the total battery mass, highlights graphite as the predominant component of the anode fraction, obtained as a fine and high-purity powder after mechanical washing, centrifugation, and drying. These findings are consistent with Niu et al. [26], who reported that graphite constitutes 12–21 wt% of LIBs, and further emphasized its potential for conversion into functional materials for energy and environmental applications. In line with this, Abdollahifar et al. [27] proposed the direct regeneration of graphite for the fabrication of new batteries, while Rothermel et al. [28] explored anode recycling combined with electrolyte extraction, and Moradi & Botte [29] demonstrated the recovery of flake graphite from spent LIBs. Other studies, such as those by Yang et al. [30], Liu et al. [4], and Xu et al. [31], have evaluated various separation and purification methods aimed at enhancing graphite regeneration. Moreover, Rey et al. [32] and Tian et al. [33] reviewed advances in graphite recycling and reuse through life cycle assessment, underscoring its importance for sustainability. Compared to these approaches, our results validate a simple and effective methodology that yields high-quality graphite suitable for immediate upcycling into functional products such as pencil leads or lubricants, reinforcing the practical potential of graphite recovery within circular economy strategies.

The separation and purification of aluminum, copper, and graphite fractions were successfully achieved through a combination of thermal and mechanical processes, ensuring complete material recovery for subsequent reuse and upcycling.

3.3. Future Perspectives in Ecuador

The results of this study highlight the technical feasibility of recovering and valorizing key components from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), providing a strong foundation for the development of recycling strategies in Ecuador. The recovery of lithium and cobalt as oxalates with high efficiencies, coupled with the successful extraction of aluminum, copper, and graphite, demonstrates that LIB recycling can move beyond conventional metal recovery to embrace sustainable upcycling pathways. In the Ecuadorian context, this approach offers multiple benefits, including reducing dependence on imported raw materials, mitigating the environmental risks associated with uncontrolled battery disposal, and fostering the creation of local value chains.

In addition, the novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive valorization approach applied to end-of-life LIBs. Unlike conventional methods that focus solely on metal leaching, our methodology integrates the recovery and functional reuse of all battery components (Li, Co, Cu, Al, and graphite) through environmentally friendly reagents, enabling not only sustainable extraction but also upcycling into new functional products. Furthermore, this work explores the potential reintegration of purified active materials into the fabrication of new lithium-ion batteries, promoting a closed-loop system aligned with circular economy principles and a zero-waste perspective. This holistic strategy has not been extensively addressed in previous literature and represents a significant contribution to sustainable battery recycling.

The results presented in this work demonstrate that the application of green organic acids enables not only efficient metal recovery but also the complete valorization of all components of spent lithium-ion batteries. This integrated approach aligns with the concept of circular recycling, where recovered materials are either reintegrated into new production cycles or transformed into functional products. Recent studies have explored similar upcycling and circular strategies, including the regeneration of degraded cathodes and the reuse of graphite and electrolyte components [3,20,22,32,33]. However, few works have combined green hydrometallurgical recovery with the reuse of functional materials and product-level upcycling. Therefore, the present study contributes to filling this gap by proposing a comprehensive and sustainable valorization route for LIBs, particularly relevant for developing economies seeking to advance local circular resource management.

While a detailed cost-effectiveness analysis would be highly valuable to assess the economic feasibility of the proposed recycling process, such an evaluation is beyond the current scope of this study. The main focus of this work was to demonstrate the technical viability and environmental sustainability of recovering and valorizing all components of spent lithium-ion batteries through green hydrometallurgical and mechanical processes. Future studies will address a comprehensive techno-economic assessment to quantify operational costs, potential revenues, and scalability in industrial applications.

Future perspectives for LIB recycling in Ecuador should focus on three main pillars. First, scalability and industrial implementation are achieved through the establishment of pilot plants that integrate hydrometallurgical, thermal, and mechanical processes, adapted to local infrastructure. Second, innovation in upcycling, where recovered materials such as aluminum, copper, and graphite are transformed into functional products (e.g., recycled aluminum keychains, copper jewelry, graphite pencils), creates both economic value and social awareness. Third, regulatory and institutional frameworks are crucial for supporting the collection, safe handling, and processing of end-of-life LIBs, while fostering research, investment, and collaboration among academia, industry, and government.

4. Materials and Methods

4.1. Pre-Treatment of Lithium-Ion Batteries (Discharge and Dismantling)

The experimental procedure was designed to ensure the safe handling, effective separation, and selective recovery of materials from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The process began with a pre-treatment stage, where the batteries were fully discharged in a 5% NaCl solution for 24 h to eliminate residual charge and ensure safe dismantling. After rinsing and drying at 110 °C [34], each cell was manually disassembled to separate the cathode, anode, casing, and other components.

4.2. Chemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Lithium-Ion Batteries

The elemental composition of lithium-ion batteries was determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) using a Bruker S8 Tiger instrument (Bruker, Karlsruhe, Germany), while the mineralogical characterization of the crystalline phases was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) using a Bruker AXS D8 Advance diffractometer (Bruker, Karlsruhe, Germany).

Lithium was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) using a Perkin Elmer AAnalyst 300 instrument (Perkin Elmer, Shelton, CT, USA). Prior to analysis, the concentrate was digested using hydrochloric 429 and nitric acid in a Milestone ETHOS ONE microwave oven (Milestone Srl, Sorisole, Italy).

4.2.1. Anode Collector

The anode, consisting of a copper foil coated with graphite, was immersed in water and subjected to agitation to facilitate the separation of copper and graphite powder, following the procedure described by Zhang et al. [35]. The suspension obtained was filtered and dried at 110 °C for 24 h to remove residual moisture, then sieved through a #50 mesh, producing a fine graphite powder that was separated from the coarse residues. After this, the material was characterized by XRD and XRF. For copper recovery, the sheets coated with graphite were first immersed in water to remove the graphite particles, leaving wet copper foils. These were subsequently dried at room temperature to eliminate excess water and then smelted at 1150 °C. During the melting process, residual graphite was discarded, and high-purity copper ingots were obtained as the final product.

4.2.2. Cathode Collector

The cathode, composed of an aluminum foil coated with an active material (LiCoO₂), was initially heated in a muffle furnace at 300 °C for 30 min to promote the detachment of the active material from the aluminum foil [34]. Subsequently, the detached active material containing LiCoO₂ was subjected to calcination at 700 °C for 5 h to remove residual carbon or other impurities [35]. The recovery process was then divided into two main stages: aluminum recovery and active material recovery.

For aluminum recovery, the residual active material adhering to the foils was removed by mechanical scraping. Afterward, the aluminum foils were melted at 850 °C to produce aluminum ingots.

For active material recovery, the separated solid was subjected to acid leaching using a 1 M aqueous citric acid solution (99% purity, Sigma Aldrich, Stinheim, Germany) at 30 °C, pH 2.5, and a pulp density of 20 g/L for 6 h under continuous stirring, as shown in

Table 5. Optimal leaching conditions using citric acid.

Parameters	Condition
Citric Acid Concentration	1 M
Reaction time	6 h
Temperature	30 °C
Pulp density	20 g/L
pH	2.5

. Citric acid acted as a green leaching agent, selectively dissolving lithium and cobalt from the LiCoO₂ structure. The resulting leachate was vacuum-filtered to separate the liquid phase containing dissolved metals from the solid residue. Subsequently, oxalic acid (1 M, 99% purity, Sigma Aldrich, Stinheim, Germany) was added to the leachate as a precipitating agent, promoting the formation of lithium and cobalt oxalates. The precipitate was then filtered, washed with distilled water, and dried at 80 °C for 4 h to obtain a fine powder suitable for reuse in LiCoO₂ synthesis.

To obtain lithium and cobalt oxalates, oxalic acid (99% purity, Sigma Aldrich, Stinheim, Germany) was added to the leachate, inducing a chemical reaction that precipitated cobalt and lithium oxalates from the solution. The precipitate was then separated from the liquid phase by filtration. Finally, the solid cobalt and lithium oxalate were dried at 80 °C for 4 h to remove excess moisture and obtain them in powder form. This methodology was adapted from Gerold et al. [19].

5. Conclusions

The results confirm the efficiency of the developed methodology, achieving high recoveries of lithium and cobalt in the form of oxalates (90% and 85%, respectively), as well as the extraction of aluminum, copper, and graphite with high purity. These percentages validate the relevance of integrating hydrometallurgical, thermal, and mechanical processes for recycling lithium-ion batteries.

The mineralogical and elemental characterization confirmed that the anode is composed almost entirely of graphite, with metallic content restricted to trace levels. This finding highlights graphite as the predominant component of the anode fraction and confirms its potential for reuse in both energy-related applications and functional products (such as pencil leads and lubricants), reinforcing its strategic importance.

The valorization of recovered metals and materials through their transformation into everyday products (such as aluminum keychains, copper jewelry, and graphite pencils) represents an upcycling approach that goes beyond traditional recycling, linking environmental sustainability with social and economic impact.

The results are consistent with other studies, which highlight the feasibility of regenerating and reusing active materials, as well as the need to expand valorization pathways to reduce the carbon footprint and promote the circular economy.

The implementation of pilot plants, innovation in upcycling, and the strengthening of regulatory frameworks are emerging as key pillars to consolidate a national lithium-ion battery recycling system. This will help reduce dependence on imported raw materials, mitigate environmental impacts, and create new opportunities for sustainable development in the country.