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What happens to an EV battery when the car wears out?

It turns out, quite a lot. Even after years on the road, most EV batteries retain 70–80% of their capacity. Instead of defaulting to recycling, there is a massive opportunity to give these batteries a "second life" as powerful energy storage systems.

In our latest episode of The Circular Future, @Stephanie McLarty sits down with @Nick Nesbitt, founder of @Mapleview Energy, to discuss how his startup is bridging the gap between the automotive and energy sectors.

Key highlights from the conversation:

• The Second Life Opportunity: Using "retired" batteries to create stationary energy storage for commercial and industrial customers.
• Real-World Impact: Nick walks us through Mapleview’s project, deploying a solar-connected microgrid to power electrified farm equipment.
• The "Frankenstein Strategy": Why speed to market and iterating with real customer feedback beats trying to build everything from scratch.

Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com.

Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

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In this episode, Stephanie McLarty sits down with Danielle Spalding from Cirba Solutions to dive deep into the world of battery recycling and its vital role in the circular economy. With over 35 years of experience, Cirba Solutions is at the forefront of domestic battery processing in North America, handling everything from common household alkalines to complex electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• Circular Economy & Critical Minerals: How recycling batteries recovers valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel to strengthen the domestic supply chain and reduce reliance on virgin mining.
• From Batteries to Agriculture: An inside look at how recycled alkaline batteries are transformed into micronutrients to help grow crops like corn and soybeans.
• Safety & Education: The importance of properly preparing batteries for recycling—including the "clear tape" method—and why you should never throw batteries in your curbside bins.
• The Evolving Policy Landscape: A look at the future of battery technology and the policies, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), that are shaping the industry.

Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com.

Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

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Gary Diamond returns - three years after joining our very first episode - to unpack how Quantum Lifecycle Partners has evolved from a recycling-first company into an end-to-end electronics lifecycle partner. He shares what he’s proudest of (culture, market strength, and expanded capabilities) and explains how Quantum now supports everything from getting devices to market and keeping them running through in-warranty repair and logistics, to secure asset disposition, reuse, and responsible recycling.

We also dive into Quantum’s acquisition strategy and what each move unlocked: Paragon Bay’s product fulfillment and in-warranty repair services, DCR Systems Group’s added IT asset management and deployment capabilities, and 2NDGEAR—Quantum’s expansion into the U.S. with stronger end-user programs and refurbished resale channels. Gary gets candid about integration challenges (teams, comp, systems, and change management), then closes with advice for leaders building circularity: look beyond your lane—and don’t neglect your health, because your best thinking often happens away from the desk.

Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com.

Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

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In this episode, Steph McLarty discusses the critical link between employee engagement and sustainability, through circularity practices at Quantum Lifecycle Partners. She shares proven strategies for fostering engagement among employees, emphasizing the importance of communication, fun initiatives, and listening to employee feedback. The conversation highlights how integrating sustainability into corporate culture can lead to improved productivity, retention, and overall business success.

Takeaways:

• Sustainability is woven into Quantum's culture, not an add-on.
• Consistent communication builds trust and keeps sustainability top of mind.
• Celebrate participation in sustainability initiatives to encourage involvement

Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com.

Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

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In this episode, Stephanie McLarty interviews Matthew Lynch, a representative from Green Economy Canada (GEC), discussing the organization's mission to accelerate Canada's transition to a net-zero future. Matthew outlines three key aspects of GEC: its focus on helping businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions, its specialization in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and its ambitious goal of mobilizing 10,000 businesses by 2028. The conversation highlights the unique position of SMEs in adopting circular economy practices, emphasizing their inherent innovation, flexibility, and community ties that make them well-suited for sustainable practices.

As the discussion progresses, Matthew shares practical insights into why SMEs should embrace circularity, including cost savings and new business opportunities. He provides examples of successful Canadian businesses like Flashfood and Loop Mission that have turned waste into valuable products. The episode concludes with advice for SMEs on overcoming challenges in implementing circularity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, starting small, and leveraging existing resources. Matthew also promotes GEC's upcoming Climate Action Bootcamp, aimed at supporting businesses in their sustainability journeys.

Takeaways

• Green Economy Canada aims to support 10,000 businesses by 2028.
• SMEs are well-positioned to adopt circular business models due to their innovation and flexibility.
• Waste can be reframed as a resource, leading to cost savings for SMEs.
• Collaboration with suppliers and customers can unlock new sustainability ideas.
• Practical insights are crucial for implementing sustainability in real-world scenarios.

Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com.

Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

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In this episode of The Circular Future, host Steph McLarty sits down with Steve Cory, President of Objex Unlimited, to peel back the layers of the 3D printing industry. While often hailed as a miracle of modern manufacturing, Steve provides a candid look at the environmental realities of additive manufacturing—from the significant waste generated by failed prints and support materials to the "nasty" resins and chemicals that require rigorous safety and disposal protocols.

The conversation explores how 3D printing truly enables circularity through rapid prototyping, weight reduction in aerospace, and the specialized repair of obsolete machinery. Steve also shares why he chose to partner with Quantum Lifecycle Partners to responsibly recycle industrial-scale printers, ensuring that complex electronics and heavy machinery stay out of landfills. Whether you're a business leader or a tech enthusiast, this episode offers a practical guide on when to use 3D printing, how to vet a provider's environmental practices, and why "doing your research" means more than just asking an AI.

Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com.

Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

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In this episode, Stephanie McLarty reflects on the major themes of the circular economy in 2025, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs in e-waste management, circular value creation, the Right to Repair movement, collaboration, digital product passports, compliance with new regulations, and the need for a fundamental rethinking of business practices to embrace circular principles.

Takeaways

• 2025 has seen significant shifts in the circular economy.
• Circular value creation maximizes resource value throughout a product's life cycle.
• Collaboration is essential for circular transformation.
• Collaboration is essential for circular transformation.

Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on our Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com

Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com.

Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan Mail

What if your junk drawer is quietly holding cash, critical minerals, and a few nagging data risks? We sit down with Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifecycle Partners, to map a simple, secure path from clutter to circularity. From reducing impulse upgrades to choosing certified recycling, this conversation turns good intentions into easy wins you can apply today.

We dig into the environmental stakes—toxins in landfills, lithium-linked fire risks, and the high emissions cost of new manufacturing—and show how reuse and responsible recycling conserve resources while supporting digital equity. Stephanie explains why only 22% of electronics get formally recycled, how “electronic hibernation” traps value in closets, and which habits actually cut your bill: shutting laptops down, flipping power bars off, and stretching refresh cycles. For anyone nervous about privacy, she breaks down DIY wiping versus certified data sanitization, the R2v3 standard, and what to expect from trusted providers so your information stays yours.

If budget matters, you’ll learn how refurbished devices deliver like-new performance at 30–70% less, what warranties and certifications to look for, and when it makes sense to repair instead of replace. We wrap with a practical toolkit: inventory your tech, flag data-bearing devices, use verified dropoffs, and set a clear cutoff for “just-in-case” backups. Small moves add up fast when they’re convenient, safe, and aligned with how nature works—no waste, just value in the right place.

If this helped you take one step toward a cleaner tech life, follow the show, share it with a friend who hoards cables, and leave a quick review to tell us which device you’re retiring first.

Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com.

Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.