Document jg24a5VMVKakV62DQQ4qGdkQ5

Message From: Sent: To: CC: Subject: StClair, Christie [/0=EXCHANGELABS/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=06618C5ED0E744A3BFE8443360018C26-STCLAIR/ CH] 9/7/2017 5:54:26 PM Louise Matsakis || x. 6 j Press [/o=ExchangeLabs/ou=Exchange Administrative Group (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/cn=Recipients/cn=b293283291dc44eOb5dlc36be9281d8a-Press] Battery info for VICE Motherboard Hi Louise, Thanks for your patience. Please attribute to an agency spokesperson. EPA has been approached by electronics repairers, reusers and recyclers about the increase in lithium-ion battery fires at their facilities. As EPA understands the issue, some electronics manufacturers glue the lithium-ion battery into the electronic product. When the battery is removed from the unit for the repair or recycling of the electronic product, force may be necessary to break its bond with the housing unit. Sometimes, this force causes damage to the battery, which could cause the battery to short and may lead to a fire on the recycling/ repair line. If the damaged battery continues through the recycling stream, fires could also happen later in the process during shredding, storage, or transit. EPA advocates for electronics with designs that facilitate battery removal. The Agency does not encourage electronics recyclers to disassemble the battery, as the materials inside the battery may be toxic and may damage skin and clothes. EPA plans to continue a dialogue with manufacturers, recyclers, state regulatory agencies and non-governmental organizations before determining if a federal response is needed, and if so, what that response should be. The Agency also heard anecdotal evidence that other types of recycling facilities (e.g., material recovery facilities, auto shredding facilities and white goods recycling) have had similar issues with battery fires, though gluing the battery to the housing unit may or may not, be part of the issue. Contacting the trade association that represents the electronics recycling industry, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc., and PRBA - The Rechargeable Battery Association, the trade association that represents the battery manufacturers, may prove helpful to your inquiry as well. Thanks, Christie Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00026013-00001