Post on 19-Apr-2022
Recycling energy storage batteries
Clean Energy Council, 8 Oct 2015
Helen LewisAustralian Battery Recycling Initiative
Photo: Paul Randell
ABRI’s vision
Effective stewardship of all end-of-life batteries
Product stewardship
Safety (zero harm)
Responsible environmental management
Recovery at end of life
(zero waste)
Shared responsibility
Battery manufacturer
DistributorEnergy retailer
InstallerConsumerRecycler
Members
Advocacy, education, engagement
• Handheld batteries
• Automotive and industrial batteries
What we do
Lead acid batteries
Find a recycler
GuidelinesRegulations
Other energy storage batteries
Guide to recycling options for
energy storage batteries (early
draft):
www.batteryrecycling.org.au/rec
ycling/energy-storage-batteries
Benefits of recycling
Enables the recovery and reuse of materials including
lead, plastics, aluminium, copper, lithium, cobalt and
electrolyte
Diverts toxic and hazardous materials from landfill
Ensures that batteries are managed safely
There may be a financial return (depending on the battery
type).
Recyclability issues
Emerging technologies with uncertain recyclability
‘Recyclability’ is a function of:
− The value of material components
− Recycling facilities with the ability to recover value from used
batteries
− Available collection infrastructure
− Someone willing to pay for recycling (if required), i.e.:
o The waste generator (fee for service) OR
o The producer (product stewardship fee)
It’s a question of economics
Costs Value
It’s a question of economics
Costs Value
Cadmium, nickel
Zinc, manganese
Steel, cobalt
Fee
Collection
Sorting
Reprocessing
Education
Safety issues for lithium batteries
Storage – potential for short circuit or over-heating
Recycling - batteries hidden in pallets of used lead acid
batteries (Li-ion batteries often look like lead acid
batteries)
Disposal – landfill fires
‘Responsible recycling’ guidelines
Draft being developed through CEC Storage Integrity
Working Group
Contents:
• Choosing a recyclable battery
• Storage and handling
• Choosing a recycler
• Guidelines for each type - Lead acid, Lithium ion, NiCd,
Other
Safe storage & handling
Most used batteries still hold a residual charge - they should be
decommissioned and removed by licensed personnel.
Check for damaged or leaking batteries - wrap and handle with extra
care.
Keep batteries away from potential sparks or flames. Store them in a
cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Do not place metal objects on top of batteries and isolate terminals to
prevent short circuit.
Wear protective clothing when handling used batteries. Take
appropriate action of a spill occurs.
Choosing the right recycler
Does the company have a license to collect, transport and recycle
or dispose of the battery, and/or have development consent for the
activity?
Is the company currently under investigation or have they been
fined for breaches of environmental laws?
Does the company have third party accreditation or are they a
member of an industry body?
Will the company provide you with a recycling or destruction
certificate ?
Lead acid batteries
Recyclability: Used lead acid batteries (ULAB) are recyclable and
have a commercial value.
Find a responsible recycler: ULAB are recycled within Australia or
exported for recycling overseas.
Legal requirements: ULAB are a controlled waste – transport,
storage, tracking, export etc.
Health and safety: ABRI information sheets at
www.batteryrecycling.org.au/recycling/automotive-batteries.
Packaging: ABRI guidelines www.batteryrecycling.org.au/wp-
content/uploads/2013/11/ULAB-packaging-standard-2013-final2.pdf
Lithium ion batteries
Recyclability: Most are recyclable, although recycling technologies are
still being developed. Currently exported for recycling.
Find a responsible recycler: Companies that have an export permit are
listed at http://www.batteryrecycling.org.au/recycling/lithium-ion-batteries.
Legal requirements: Li-ion batteries are classified as a dangerous good
(Class 9)
Health and safety: Follow manufacturers’ guidelines for safe handling and
storage
Packaging: Australian Dangerous Goods Code (version 7.4)
Nickel cadmium batteries
Recyclability: Used Ni-cd batteries are recyclable.
Find a responsible recycler: Used wet cell Ni-Cd batteries are either
recycled within Australia or exported for recycling overseas.
Legal requirements: NiCd batteries are a controlled waste –
transport, storage, tracking, export etc
Health and safety: Follow manufacturers’ guidelines for safe handling
and storage
Packaging: Australian Dangerous Goods Code (version 7.4).
What you can do
Ask questions about whether batteries can be recycled and how
Share information on recycling with others in the supply chain
Arrange for used batteries to be collected by a responsible recycler
Make sure that used batteries are managed safely
for more information
Contact details
Helen Lewis
Email: info@batteryrecycling.org.au
www.batteryrecycling.org.au
Twitter @battstewardship