Japan Contemplates Enforcing Compulsory Recycling of Portable Fans
In Japan, the Ministry of Industry is delving into the safety and distribution aspects of handheld fans powered by lithium-ion batteries, following a series of fire incidents during charging and disposal processes. This investigation could lead to the mandatory recycling of these fans by manufacturers and importers, and potentially extend to other lithium-ion battery-powered devices such as cordless vacuum cleaners and electric shavers [1][3].
Recently, Japan designated lithium-ion battery-containing mobile phones, portable chargers, and heated tobacco products as specified resources-recycled products, signifying a shift towards more comprehensive recycling initiatives [1][3]. From April next year, the manufacturers of these newly designated products will be obligated to recover them through retail stores under a government ordinance.
The investigation into handheld fans will provide valuable insights into the safety of products powered by lithium-ion batteries, which also applies to the newly designated products. The aim of the investigation is to understand the distribution of handheld fans in Japan and the cause of fires in these devices, particularly the foreign-made ones that have been reported to burst into flames while charging [2].
The decision to designate handheld fans as products requiring recycling, as well as mobile phones, portable chargers, and heated tobacco products, is in response to growing safety concerns related to rechargeable electric devices [4][5]. This move is a step towards ensuring the safety and sustainability of electronic products in Japan, reflecting a push towards circular economy measures for lithium-ion battery products.
The investigation will be conducted at a circular economy panel meeting, with the findings expected to shed light on the safety of products powered by lithium-ion batteries and the need for expanded recycling initiatives in Japan.
[1] Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. (n.d.). Recycling of specified resources-recycled products. Retrieved from https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/economy/recycling/index.html
[2] Kyodo News. (2021, March 17). Japan considers making handheld fans subject to battery recycling rules. Retrieved from https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/03/01060781c5a1-japan-considers-making-handheld-fans-subject-to-battery-recycling-rules.html
[3] Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. (2021, March 17). METI announces the designation of mobile phones, portable chargers, and heated tobacco products as specified resources-recycled products. Retrieved from https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2021/03/20210317001/20210317001_001.html
[4] Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. (n.d.). Safety measures for lithium-ion batteries. Retrieved from https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/economy/battery/index.html
[5] Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. (n.d.). Measures to enhance the safety of rechargeable batteries. Retrieved from https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/economy/battery/safety.html
- The investigation into handheld fans could lead to similar recycling requirements for mobile phones, portable chargers, and heated tobacco products, as all these devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries.
- The findings from the circular economy panel meeting, which will examine the safety of products powered by lithium-ion batteries like handheld fans, could potentially inspire new reports on environmental-science and technology concerning the significance of battery safety in promoting sustainable practices.
- As the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry seeks to implement circular economy measures for lithium-ion battery products, it might be crucial for the finance sector to consider the potential economic implications of expanded recycling initiatives on various industries, such as the technology and environmental-science sectors.
