Electric cars are one of the cleanest means of transport because they don’t emit exhaust fumes. However, although they help the environment, their batteries can cause problems if they are not handled properly.
In Colorado, lawmakers have considered a new law that makes manufacturers recycle the electric vehicles (EVs) batteries, so that these cars are really green from its manufacturing to end of their life. So, let’s learn more about electric cars, shall we?
Recycling electric cars’ batteries
Electric cars need big batteries that require mineral mining, like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The production of these batteries leave a larger carbon footprint than when producing a regular gas car. This is why an electric car becomes more eco-friendly after a few years of usage.
So, recycling these batteries has several benefits:
Reduces the need to import critical minerals.
Creates local jobs in recycling and processing.
Keeps batteries that can catch fire out of landfills.
According to State Senator Katie Wallace, this law would help make EVs even better for the climate and ensure that electric cars sold in Colorado are handled responsibly at the end of their life.
How would the new law work
If approved, car manufacturers will have two options:
Recycle the batteries themselves.
Hire another company to take responsibility for recycling.
The rules would fully take effect on August 1, 2028, giving manufacturers time to prepare. The law is similar to other Colorado programs:
Companies making aluminum cans or paper must pay for recycling these materials.
Last year, Governor Jared Polis signed a law requiring smaller batteries, like those in electronics, to be recycled.
If this new law passes, Colorado would be one of the first states to require large EV batteries to be recycled without charging consumers extra fees.
Colorado: recycling and sustainability
Colorado is leading the adoption of electric cars, with nearly 211,000 eclectic vehicles registered and a market share that briefly surpassed California at the end of 2024.
What’s more, research from the Union of Concerned Scientists shows that proper recycling of EV batteries could reduce the need for new mined minerals by nearly 50% between 2025 and 2050. Not only does this help the environment, but also creates a stronger local economy with more jobs in battery management and recycling.
Let’s compare it with other states
Colorado is not the first state considering this measure, for example
In 2024, New Jersey was the first state to require car manufacturers to recycle EV batteries.
California passed a similar law in 2024, but governor Gavin Newsom vetoed it because he considered it was better a market-based approach with more flexibility.
To sum up
Imagine this: every battery that gets recycled means fewer new minerals mined, fewer fire risks, and more jobs in your community. That’s a win for both the planet and your local economy.
So, whether you are thinking about getting an electric car or you already have one, you should remember that the battery in your car is more than just power. Basically, it’s a resource that can be reused safely and responsibly.
Now, having all of this in mind, do you think this law could be the start of more eco-friendly states?
