It’s hard to believe we still don’t recycle all the minerals from millions of rechargeable batteries we purchase every year. After all, we take them from earth causing damage to the atmosphere, and their supply is in any case restricted. We consider our limited success in repurposing materials in secondary batteries in this post. If it improves the situation even slightly, it will have been worthwhile.
Why Repurpose Secondary Battery Materials?
Secondary batteries are the ones we can recharge, over and over again. Battery scientists developed them to extend the life of their costly minerals, with one exception. Lead acid batteries achieved this goal without even trying. They’re a natural!
We should always purchase renewable batteries whenever we can, for a second reason. Repurposing materials in secondary batteries reduces the rate of global warming we cause by ripping out lithium, cobalt and other minerals out of Earth. We are running low on time to start respecting the delicate balance in our environment.
Nickel-Cadmium Batteries
We find nickel-cadmium batteries in familiar and special shapes in cordless power tools, and phones. But also in digital and video cameras, two-way radios, and bio-medical equipment too. We can return the removable ones to recycling centers, or hazardous material collection points.
Small Lithium-Ion Batteries
Older cell phones, power tools, digital cameras, and laptops still contain lithium-ion batteries. As do aging children’s toys, e-cigarettes, small and large appliances, tablets, and e-readers too. Spent batteries should go to recycling depots. Devices with inbuilt batteries should go to participating electronics recyclers.
Nickel and Zinc Metal Batteries
Nickel-metal batteries soldier on in older cell phones, cordless power tools, digital cameras and two-way radios. Although zinc ones are now more popular in wireless keyboards, and small electronics. There’s no reason why we can’t bag and label all secondary batteries, and hand them in for material recovery.
Materials from Secondary Lead Batteries
There is a well-established secondary cycle for repurposing these batteries. All sizes, large and small may be returned to lead battery suppliers. Some 95% of all lead-acid batteries find new purposes in North America. One major reason for this is their simple design.
Medium and Large Lithium Batteries
A new generation of larger lithium-ion batteries entered the market with electric cars. However, this time they are not powerful enough after they lose even 20% of their capacity. But, they are finding secondary uses for energy storage in a variety of roles, although we still do not know how to dismantle them, and repurpose their materials cost-effectively.
More Information
Recycling Primary Batteries Responsibly
