Lithium Battery Recycling and Its Importance Analyzed

Disposal and recycling of used batteries or damaged batteries from household, commercial, and industrial electronics have been a concern for several years. Battery technologies have evolved over the years, and lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) are a big trend. Does that mean disposal and recycling of these batteries is easy? Are there any better ways of disposing and recycling these batteries? This post discusses lithium-ion batteries and their recycling in depth.?

Overview of Lithium-ion Batteries, Their Increasing Use, and Rising Concerns on Toxic Waste

Lithium-ion batteries are considered high energy-density batteries which makes them a common choice for several electronics, wireless devices, small and large industrial applications, and vehicles. Here, high energy density means a large amount of energy is stored by a system in a small space. Due to this high density, these batteries can be designed with a compact footprint as compared to other battery types.?

Increasing use of Li-ion batteries also indicates an increased amount of used Li-ion batteries across segments. According to a study, by 2030, every year 2 million metric tons of used Li-ion batteries will be produced globally from electric vehicles. If the existing trends on?handling used or damaged Li-ion batteries ?are observed, much of this may end up in landfills.?

Lithium-ion batteries can be found in a wide range of technologies ranging from cell phones to vehicle batteries. These batteries are comprised of valuable materials that are not infinite, increasing the need for recycling. When recycled, valuable materials like cobalt, lithium and nickel can be redistributed back into the value chain. In order to extract these materials thousands and even million of tons of water and earth are effected. The benefits of recycling have been scientifically proven to benefit communities and the value chain.

Environmental and social concerns are driving battery manufacturers and consumers to take battery recycling seriously. The impacts of improper battery disposal and the benefits of battery recycling are becoming more widely known, but this is still a sector that is focused on education to a broader audience. Here are some important ways battery recycling supports the environment and how to?send your batteries for recycling .??

Importance of Lithium-ion Battery Recycling

Battery recycling is beneficial to both manufacturers and consumers.

• Some batteries may comprise a high concentration of metals, manganese, and lithium, which if recycled and reused properly can be very beneficial for the manufacturing supply chain.?
• Recycling reduces the dependency on raw materials and therefore virgin mining. By using recycled materials, manufacturers can take advantage of the secondary commodity market and reduce their carbon footprint.?
• Recycling will help reduce the impact of toxic materials put into the environment. Components may leak and contaminate soil, groundwater, and the ecosystem. To avoid this, batteries should be sent to battery recycling centers.?

Are you intrigued to learn about the different types of lithium-ion recycling processes across the world? Yes! Then let's on.

Different Types of Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Processes Discussed

As lithium-ion batteries possess complex geometrics and compositions, different types of recycling processes can be performed. The following are the three main types of lithium battery recycling processes.?

1. Pyrometallurgical (heat):?In this process, the batteries are disassembled into separate cells or modules first. Some processors may even be able to take an entire electric vehicle battery pack, but it will depend on the equipment. Materials may then go through a process that allows for the safe evaporation of the electrolyte. The process continues by removing elements such as plastics and then separation of critical materials. This procedure is typically used to recover cobalt and nickel alloys.

2. Hydrometallurgical (water): This approach has shown high rates of recovery for elements, some even reaching 98%-99%. Batteries first go through a pretreatment in this process. Then, materials may go through both leaching and reduction. The higher recovery of certain metals may also show a higher purity grade depending on the processor's approach. Thus, minerals recovered could potentially be sent directly to the cathode manufacturers.?

3. Direct Recycling:?The goal of direct recycling is to allow the capturing of the critical materials within the battery to be recovered without breaking the chemical structure down. There have been breakthroughs in this area, but it is not yet fully commercialized.

In addition to these, several other techniques have gained popularity over the years. Although these techniques help recycle and retrieve valuable materials from batteries, one needs to ensure batteries are sent properly for recycling. The next section offers insights on how to send batteries for recycling.?

How to Send Your Batteries for Recycling

You need to follow certain steps while sending the batteries for recycling. These steps help minimize hazards associated with improper disposal and handling of batteries.?

• Ensure to buy this container from a certified recycling solutions provider who has experience dealing with hazardous materials.?
• Buy a?recycling container ?that comes with pre-paid recycling and even shipping.
• Remove the battery from the device, if you can do so safely. If you are unable to remove the battery on your own send the full unit to a professional battery recycler.?
• Store damaged batteries in a damaged battery kit that includes anti-static bags within these containers. This will help avoid any sort of hazards such as metal to metal contact or static electricity.?
• Always ensure to keep your batteries and battery recycling container in a cool and dry place.

As the use of electronic devices and electric vehicles increases, the need for lithium-ion battery recycling will increase too. It is important to perform all the necessary steps to support a safe and compliant approach to battery recycling. Remember, by recycling lithium-ion batteries, you are not only reducing your carbon footprint but making efforts to build secure and green earth for future generations.?