How are batteries recycled? Benefits of battery recycling

Understanding the battery recycling process and the benefits of recycling batteries helps raise awareness about the importance of renewable energy and environmental protection. In a context where hazardous waste batteries can be found in any household, RX Tradex explores how the process and benefits of battery recycling impact the environment and human life

1. Raw Materials Used in Batteries

Different types of batteries are based on their components. However, the main components include: lead, lithium-ion (Li-ion), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), lithium polymer, nickel-zinc, and alkaline. Manufacturers create different types of batteries based on usage needs. Therefore, these batteries differ in composition, operating principles, power sources, and recycling processes.

2. What is a “Dead Battery”?

When a battery can no longer supply power or be recharged, it is referred to as “dead battery”. There are several factors influencing whether the battery “dies” quickly or slowly. Despite batteries always having a certain lifespan, their longevity is significantly affected by environmental factors (humidity, high temperature), physical impact (dropping, friction, impact), and usage patterns. Therefore, the actual lifespan of batteries is often shorter than the standard lifespan claimed by manufacturers, resulting in high levels of battery disposal that negatively impact the environment. Proper disposal of “dead batteries” should therefore follow clear procedures.

3. Battery Recycling Process

• Step 1: Collection

Waste batteries are collected from sources such as households, businesses, and manufacturing facilities.

• Step 2: Sorting

Batteries are sorted by type (lithium-ion, alkaline, NiMH, etc.) to ensure appropriate processing for each type.

• Step 3: Shredding

Batteries are shredded into small pieces to access internal components.

• Step 4: Separation and extraction

Chemical or physical methods are used to separate and extract valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, lead, etc., from the casing and other materials.

• Step 5: Drying and refining

Metals obtained after extraction are dried and refined to remove impurities.

• Step 6: Reuse

Refined metals are used to manufacture new batteries or other products.

Battery recycling is a lengthy process, with the initial step being crucial, depending on both users and manufacturers.

4. Some Benefits of Battery Recycling

Like other types of e-waste and household waste, recycling gives waste a new life, creating a closed-loop cycle that conserves resources and protects the environment. Let’s review some basic benefits that recycling old batteries brings!

4.1. Reducing Environmental Pollution

Used batteries contain hazardous metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, etc., which can pollute water sources, soil, and air if not properly handled. Recycling helps minimize the amount of battery waste entering the environment, protecting the ecosystem.

4.2. Addressing Employment Issues

Battery recycling promotes the development of the recycling industry, creates jobs, and contributes to the growth of the circular economy. In the U.S. recycling market, there are over 5,000 recycling facilities employing 36,000 workers, providing income and addressing unemployment for thousands of households.

4.3. Conserving Natural Resources

The process of mining and processing raw materials for new battery production has negative environmental impacts such as deforestation, water pollution, and emissions. Battery recycling reduces the demand for new raw materials, conserving natural resources and minimizing environmental impact.

5. Current Global Battery Recycling Market

The recycling industry in general, and specifically battery recycling, is growing strongly in Europe and North America, with advanced proprietary technologies. In Vietnam, on April 12, 2023, VinES Energy Solutions (VinES) and Li-Cycle Holdings Corp (Li-Cycle) announced a long-term battery recycling contract. Starting in 2024, Li-Cycle will become a strategic recycling partner for battery materials produced by VinES in Vietnam. Investment decisions related to the planned factory are expected by 2025. Before this time, Li-Cycle will use its network of battery recycling facilities in North America to implement the recycling agreement with VinES.

Li-Cycle is a leading company in the lithium-ion battery recycling industry in North America. VinES is the only company in Vietnam producing high-quality lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other applications.

This October, in Ho Chi Minh City, the WASTE AND RECYCLING VIETNAM EXPO organized by RX Tradex will showcase the latest solutions and technologies for waste treatment and recycling, aimed at fostering a circular economy and sustainable development for businesses.

Conclusion

Batteries have a history of over 200 years of manufacturing and development, bringing many benefits to human life. However, each battery contains hazardous chemicals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, etc. Used batteries, if discarded into the environment, buried, or incinerated with household waste, can release compounds containing heavy metals and toxins into the soil, water, and air, adversely affecting human health and the living environment of other organisms. To find solutions for recycling industrial waste, register to participate in our exhibition now!