How a company cut disposal costs by 14% by optimizing the value streams of 46 tonnes of Batteries
Oct 14, 2025
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Cling Systems
When a British energy storage manufacturer acquired TimeShift in 2024, they found themselves with pallets of lithium-ion batteries piled up and no clear path forward. The acquisition came with 46 tonnes of end-of-life batteries, too valuable to ignore, but costly to dispose of. Recycling would have meant high fees, while leaving them in storage posed regulatory risks and took up valuable space.
The hidden value in battery waste
They turned to Cling Systems to explore and identify the best value pathways for their batteries, optimizing across multiple streams to minimize costs and maximize value.
Cling Systems team on site for inspection in the battery facility.
Cling's process:
On-site inspection at the Netherlands facility.
Battery-by-battery assessment to determine reuse potential.
Sorting and packaging for safe transport.
Logistics coordination for both resale and recycling streams.
The results: Of the 46 tonnes assessed:
7 tonnes retained sufficient capacity for resale into secondary markets
39 tonnes were sent to recycling.
By matching each battery to the right value stream, the manufacturer avoided significant disposal costs, freed up warehouse space, and ensured regulatory compliance. This multi-path approach led to a 14% reduction in overall disposal costs compared to a single-route recycling strategy.
Conclusion
Companies sitting on end-of-life batteries often assume disposal is their only option. This case demonstrates that proper assessment and the right partnerships can highlight multiple value pathways, helping to cut costs while keeping materials in productive use.
Not all batteries should follow the same route. Some retain enough capacity for second-use applications. Others deliver more value through material recovery. This is practical battery circularity: understanding what each asset can still deliver, then directing it accordingly.
Are you facing similar challenges with end-of-life batteries?
Let’s talk about how Cling can support your business.