Obtaining valuables by sorting waste cells^*1 and waste plastics

Toshiba Corporation Kashiwazaki Operations

Kashiwazaki Operations is working to recycle waste. Previously, defective cells containing electrolytes that were generated in the manufacturing process were disposed of. Such defective cells containing electrolytes include aluminum and black mass.^*2 Since black mass contains rare metals, we separated the aluminum and black mass and then extracted the black mass to obtain valuables.
In addition, by thoroughly sorting the various types of plastic waste (e.g., stretch film, bubble wrap, and electrode trays) discarded during the manufacturing process, we are able to obtain valuables and to reduce the amount of waste.
As a result, we were able to sell 12% of the waste cells and 3% of the waste plastics as valuable resources and to recycle approximately 15% of the total waste generated in FY2023.

• Secondary batteries to be disposed of at Kashiwazaki Operations
• A concentrated powder containing positive electrode active materials (e.g., cobalt and nickel) and negative electrode materials