Lawson and KDDI launch AI-powered lithium-ion battery recycling pilot

KDDI and Lawson have launched a demonstration project to collect used lithium-ion battery-containing products near the Lawson Takanawa Gateway City store. The initiative runs from September 1 to November 30, 2026.

The project utilizes ‘Bin-e’, an AI-powered automatic sorting recycling box developed by Fortech that features fire resistance and extinguishing capabilities. The AI system is designed to recognize and sort items such as mobile phones, smartphones, mobile batteries, and heated tobacco products, provided they are not swollen or damaged.

JX Circular Solutions (JXCS), a joint venture between JX Metals and Mitsubishi Corporation, is participating in the demonstration to advance closed-loop recycling. The goal is to recover rare metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from used batteries to reuse them in new battery materials. This project serves as a step toward establishing a resource circulation system through collection points in everyday living areas to prevent fire accidents caused by improper disposal and to enhance resource security.