Did you ever wonder how lead-acid battery recycling works so well, when repurposing lithium-ion cells seems unable to get off the ground? The secret lies in the simplicity of lead battery design, and the cooperation that exists within our industry. We can’t honestly speak of creating a circular economy unless our batteries recycle too. So let’s investigate this further, and discover why we are ahead of the pack.
Simplicity the Key to Lead-Acid Battery Recycling
Lead batteries truly dominate the lead industry. Science Direct confirms they absorb 80% of all new lead, despite recycling 95% of existing stock. Indeed, we could hardly imagine one of our deep-cycle gel batteries that does not contain some recycled material.
If you are wondering how lead-acid battery recycling is so successful, then part of the answer lies in the simple, robust design, and recycling strategy we illustrate in our image for this post. The following factors contribute to a successful recycling program:
- Lead batteries’ chemical stability, size, weight, and value simplify the collection process.
- Their robust, simple design ensures relatively easy lead extraction, smelting, and refining.
- These factors ensure a regular flow of recycled lead from secondary smelters to battery factories.
Lead Repurposing Exceeds All Other Battery Types
Science Direct confirms that the rate of lead-acid battery repurposing “far exceeds that of other battery types, particularity lithium-ion and nickel-based chemistries”. They go on to explain how “their complex nature of association with other elements, and construction methods make those batteries quite difficult to recycle at a profit not only for the recycler, but in the whole collection chain”.
Lead-acid batteries are ahead of all other battery types on the recycling curve because:
- Their inherent value cycle makes them a valuable and tradable product throughout the world.
- Without this recycling the price of lead could threaten the long-term future of our industry.
This is an excellent example of a profitable circular economy the rest of our industry would be wise to adopt. But then we have had over a hundred years to perfect the process!
More Information
Charging a Sealed Lead Battery Optimally
Lead-Acid Battery Life and How to Prolong It
