LG Electronics Launches Campaign to Collect Used Cordless-Vacuum Batteries, Running Through November

[Financial News] LG Electronics is conducting the “Battery Turn” campaign for the second time this year to collect used cordless-vacuum batteries and recover metal resources. Customers can return batteries regardless of manufacturer and receive a discount when purchasing a new battery.
LG Electronics said it will conduct the campaign from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30 with the Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco) and E-Circular Governance, under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.
Customers can return used cordless-vacuum batteries at LG Electronics service centers nationwide. Those unable to visit a service center can participate remotely through the LG Electronics online brand shop. Customers who return used batteries receive discounts when purchasing LG CordZero A9, A9S or A7 batteries.
LG Electronics disassembles the collected batteries and recovers nickel, lithium, cobalt and manganese. According to the company, one used LG CordZero A9S battery weighing about 450 grams can yield 31.91 grams of nickel, 6.06 grams of lithium, 4.21 grams of cobalt and 2.04 grams of manganese. The company explained that recycling 1,500 used batteries can recover enough lithium to manufacture the battery for one midsize electric vehicle.
Since the campaign began in 2022, more than 156 metric tons of used batteries, or over 340,000 units, had been collected by the first half of this year. More than 13 metric tons of metal resources have been recovered from them. 
LG Electronics is returning proceeds from used-battery recycling to local communities. On Oct. 1, it donated 15 cordless vacuum cleaners to Pinetree Home, a child welfare facility, using funds raised through the campaign. The initiative links proceeds from battery collection and resource recovery to product donations.
LG Electronics is also expanding the collection of discarded home appliances and the recycling of waste from its business sites. Last year, it collected 640,000 metric tons of discarded electronics across 91 regions in 56 countries worldwide. Its cumulative collection since 2006 stands at 5.65 million metric tons. The recycling rate for waste from its domestic and overseas business sites reached 97.3% last year, exceeding the company's 2030 target of 95%.
Son Chang-woo, head of LG Electronics' Living Solutions Business Division, said, "We will contribute to creating a sustainable future by expanding resource-circulation initiatives that customers can easily take part in."

[email protected] Park Ji-yeon Reporter