From Cost Barriers to Circular Assets: Policy & Operational Models for EV Battery Recycling
Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 | 1:30 - 3:00 PM ET
As electric vehicles and stationary energy storage units become more common, managing end-of-life batteries presents direct operational and financial challenges. In many regions, salvage yards and local dismantlers face high processing and transport fees for large format batteries, leaving them hesitant to accept battery systems or entire vehicles without clear cost-effective management pathways. Join industry speakers for a practical discussion on how state policy, processing innovations, and industry advocacy are coming together to address these cost barriers and keep valuable critical minerals in circulation. This session will explore Colorado’s landmark legislation that brought automakers, recyclers, and auto dismantlers into a balanced framework, Cirba Solutions' operational approaches to EV battery processing economics and scale, and the Recycled Materials Association’s (ReMA) work to promote safe EV and lithium-ion battery recycling through advocacy, safety training, and public education.
Meet our Speakers:
Justin Short, Assistant Vice President of State Affairs, Recycled Materials Association
Justin Short is the Assistant Vice President of State Affairs for the Recycled Materials Association, with 14 years experience in state advocacy for the industry. ReMA represents more than 1,700 companies in over 40 countries that transform end-of-life products into essential, high-quality raw materials the world relies on every day. Across metals, paper, plastics, glass, textiles, rubber, and electronics, ReMA members safely and efficiently process recycled materials into the building blocks that power manufacturing, strengthen and secure global supply chains, and conserve natural resources.
Justin currently serves as a representative of the recycling industry on the Commission to Advance Lithium Ion Battery Safety in Maryland and is the staff liaison for ReMA's Battery Policy Work Group. ReMA has adopted Positions on End-of-Life Management for Non-Embedded Small and Medium Format Batteries as well as Propulsion Batteries, and offers online and in-person safety training courses for electric and hybrid vehicle dismantlers and processors. Learn more at www.recycledmaterials.org
Shane Thompson, EVP of Strategy and Business Development, Cirba Solutions
Shane Thompson has an impressive more than 20-year career in battery life cycle management. This experience includes leadership in environmental sales, commercial operations, and process development. He currently serves as the EVP of Strategy and Business Development at Cirba Solutions. With a passion to make a positive impact on environmental initiatives, he has used his knowledge to help drive U.S. policy and regulations related to battery recycling and been a trusted consultant regarding recycling various materials. Shane is committed to creating innovative opportunities for a circular battery supply chain and second life applications. His combined experience and knowledge make him one of the world’s most qualified experts in a rapidly evolving industry.
Wolf Kray, Materials Management Unit Leader,Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
Wolf Kray serves as the Materials Management Unit Leader at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), bringing over 15 years of experience in the waste diversion, circular economy and sustainable materials management field. Prior to his team management role, Wolf led several initiatives for the State of Colorado, including the development of the 2016 Integrated Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan, the implementation of the state’s first producer responsibility program for paint stewardship, the creation of Colorado’s electronic device landfill ban regulations and Colorado’s solid waste recycling facility regulations.
Wolf actively serves as a member of the Colorado Producer Responsibility Advisory Board and previously served on the Sustainable Materials Management taskforce for the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO).
