Redwood Materials, a Nevada-based e-waste recycling startup, has partnered with Audi, a leading producer of premium cars, to launch a unique B2C program offering facilities to recycle old devices and rechargeable batteries at local Audi dealerships across the US.

As per the partnership, Redwood recycling bins will be deployed at select Audi dealerships in which the devices and batteries will be disposed of and will ultimately be recycled at Redwood to build more sustainable, domestic EV batteries. A recent test conducted by Argonne National Laboratory concluded that Redwood’s battery components from recycled content have equal or even higher performance levels than any raw materials on the market.

Via the partnership, the companies expect to make up for the lack of recycling of lithium-ion batteries (currently less than 5%) by creating clear pathways for consumers, supporting the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act), and the Administration’s goals of boosting circular, domestic battery manufacturing. 

Analyst’s Quick Take: Redwood has previously partnered with Volkswagen Group (Audi’s parent company), Toyota , and Ford to recycle batteries. However, this new partnership with Audi is unique as it’s a consumer-facing program.