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