KDDI Launches Mobile Battery Recycling Initiative Across Four Tokyo Stores

KDDI Initiates Mobile Battery Recycling in Tokyo

KDDI has announced an exciting and environmentally-conscious initiative starting from August 1 to October 31, 2026. The company will conduct a free mobile battery collection program across four of its directly owned stores in Tokyo: au Style SHINJUKU, au Style IKEBUKURO, au Style UENO, and GINZA 456 Created by KDDI.

The primary goal behind this initiative is to provide a convenient means for customers to safely dispose of their old mobile batteries right in their local area. The program comes at a critical time, particularly during the summer months when rising outdoor temperatures can increase the risk of battery malfunctions. By encouraging proper disposal, KDDI seeks to mitigate the risks associated with battery-related incidents and to foster a more secure usage environment for everyone.

Mobile batteries often contain essential materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. By ensuring these batteries are collected and recycled properly, the initiative not only aims to enhance resource circulation but also to make efficient use of the substances contained in used products. KDDI's endeavor aligns with broader goals of environmental sustainability and resource recovery, contributing to a circular economy.

In recent years, the improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries and incidents involving old devices have become significant social issues. While many customers are aware of the fire risks associated with improper disposal, they often face challenges in determining the correct places for safe disposal. This lack of awareness regarding appropriate disposal methods and points of collection must be addressed to create a safer environment.

KDDI has long been committed to ensuring safe recycling practices by offering free collection of customers' used mobile phones and smartphones at its nationwide au Style and au shops. These devices are processed carefully, with materials being sorted and recycled accordingly. The current extension of the collection program to include mobile batteries symbolizes KDDI's dedication to providing a simple and secure way for users to dispose of unused or damaged batteries.

Moreover, results and insights gained from this initiative will contribute to evaluating the effectiveness of using local stores as collection points and will lead to the potential expansion of similar efforts to other regions.

After the collection phase, the transport and recycling of the mobile batteries will be managed by VOLTA Co., Ltd. Based in Fujiyoshida, Shizuoka Prefecture, under the leadership of President Kazutaka Kitazume, VOLTA will ensure that collected materials are processed responsibly and sustainably.

Overview of the Initiative

1. Implementation Details
- KDDI will facilitate free collection of used mobile phones, smartphones, and mobile batteries at the specified Tokyo stores.
- Collected mobile batteries will undergo recycling processes to recover new resources.
- The entire flow from collection to transportation and recycling will be scrutinized to explore expansion opportunities for this initiative. Notably, customers do not need to make an appointment to bring in their old batteries.

2. Participating Stores
- au Style SHINJUKU
- au Style IKEBUKURO
- au Style UENO
- GINZA 456 Created by KDDI

3. Eligible Items for Collection
- Mobile batteries that are not significantly damaged or swollen will be accepted, regardless of the communication service provider or manufacturer.
- However, batteries that are swollen or other lithium-ion products such as heated tobacco devices, digital cameras, handheld fans, and wireless earphones will not be included in the collection.

4. Timeframe of the Initiative
- This program will run from August 1 to October 31, 2026.

KDDI’s Commitment to Sustainability

KDDI's ongoing environmental conservation initiative, the "KDDI GREEN PLAN," emphasizes harmony with the global environment. The company has set major goals in areas such as achieving a carbon-neutral society, promoting resource recycling, and preserving biodiversity. Additionally, KDDI aims to enhance long-term corporate value through risk reduction and the exploration of new business opportunities, focusing on forming a circular society. This includes engaging in resource recycling within its operations and contributing to the development of circular societies through communication technologies and renewable energy.

KDDI is expanding its efforts to recycle lithium-ion batteries, including not only mobile phones and smartphones but also mobile batteries from other products. The company has previously partnered with the Ministry of the Environment and the Tokyo metropolitan government to conduct collection demonstrations, establishing itself as a leader in this field.

In its mission to create a circular society, KDDI has been carrying out free collection of used devices at its au Style and au shops as part of its long-standing commitment. With the cumulative number of collected devices reaching approximately 30 million, KDDI has achieved an impressive 99.8% recycling rate by carefully disassembling and sorting the collected devices. Additionally, KDDI is actively working toward achieving "horizontal recycling" to reuse rare metals extracted from used lithium-ion batteries as new battery materials through collaborations with innovative companies in the sector.

In conclusion, KDDI's new mobile battery recycling initiative symbolizes a pivotal step in reinforcing community engagement in sustainable practices and ensuring a safer environment for all by promoting responsible disposal methods.