(Discussion) Lithium cash-refundable deposit legislation

1 points by mouse_ ↗ HN
Lithium mining is a very expensive and problematic necessity of our connected society. In my state (Vermont) it is illegal to dispose of lithium e-waste by normal means, however none of my customers actually know where any of the local collection sites are located. Would it make sense to legislate a cash-refundable deposit on devices sold containing lithium batteries? This would not only solve the problem of battery waste ending up in the wrong places, but also incentivize people to dispose of it correctly. It pains me to suggest something that may result in technology becoming less accessible to lower income people, but I think this may be a more effective solution than our current systems, and will promote significant R&D in the field of battery waste reclamation.

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