That happens with plastic because that particular material is usually not economical to recycle (at least as long as the industry is able to externalize some im

That happens with plastic because that particular material is usually not economical to recycle (at least as long as the industry is able to externalize some important costs.) I don't think you can say the same for batteries. There is valuable and scarce material contained in batteries, and it seems likely that someone will find a way to make it happen.