Lithium and lithium-ion batteries power hundreds of products we come in contact with every day. The small and lightweight power sources make our devices, toys, and tools much easier to transport. However, as good as they are, you will need to recycle lithium batteries at some point. This guide will help you safely recycle these batteries.
Quick Guide to Lithium Battery Recycling
- Drop-Off or Collection: Bring your lithium batteries to us or arrange a collection.
- Sorting: Batteries are carefully sorted based on type and condition for specialized processing.
- Dismantling: Components like battery cells, casings, and electronic circuits are safely separated.
- Recycling Components: Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are extracted and sent for reuse, plastics are sorted and processed for reuse in various applications, electric conduits are treated to recover valuable metals like copper.
- Environmentally Safe Disposal: Hazardous materials and residual chemicals are handled responsibly to prevent environmental harm.
- Final Processing: Remaining materials undergo further processing to maximise recycling and minimise waste.
Please note: Proof of ID is required for payment
How to Dispose of Lithium Batteries
When it comes to recycling lithium batteries, we at Collins Recycling follow a meticulous process to protect the environment and ensure that every component is responsibly managed.
1. Collection or Drop-Off
The first step is getting the batteries to us. You can either drop them off at our facility or arrange for our collection service. We make it easy for you to recycle lithium batteries safely and responsibly.
2. Sorting
Once the batteries arrive at our facility, they are carefully sorted based on type and condition. Lithium batteries are separated from other e-waste items for specialised processing due to the specific materials and hazards they contain.
3. Dismantling
Our team then carefully dismantles the batteries. This process involves safely removing and separating components such as the battery cells, casing, and any electronic circuits. We take special care to handle the lithium and other hazardous materials to prevent any risk of contamination.
4. Recycling Components
Each part of the lithium battery is recycled efficiently:
- Metals: Metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel are extracted and sent for reuse in manufacturing new batteries or other products.
- Plastics: The plastic components are sorted by type and processed for reuse in various applications.
- Electronic Circuits: Any electronic parts are treated to recover valuable metals, such as copper.
5. Environmentally Safe Disposal
The hazardous materials, particularly lithium and any residual chemicals, are handled with the utmost care. We ensure these substances are disposed of in a way that prevents environmental harm, adhering to all relevant regulations.
6. Final Processing
After dismantling and sorting, the remaining materials undergo further processing. This step maximises the recycling potential of each component, ensuring minimal waste and contributing to a circular economy.
What Should I Do with a Damaged Lithium Battery?
Lithium battery recycling in Australia is an ideal way to safely remove these batteries from your home or workshop. Occasionally, you may find a battery that is damaged. Some common types of damaged batteries include batteries that are:
- Swelling
- Bulging
- Leaking
- Cracks
- Dents, Punctures
- Crushing
If you find a battery that is damaged, do NOT throw it into your regular waste bin. Place leaking or damaged batteries in a plastic bag and take them to your local community centre.
Note: Batteries that have been exposed to water should be treated the same way as damaged batteries.
What’s the Difference Between Lithium Primary Batteries and Lithium-Ion Batteries?
The two types of lithium batteries have different purposes and properties. Here is what you need to know:
- Lithium primary batteries: These are usually used to power portable consumer devices like handheld games, watches, or children’s toys. These batteries are single-use and not rechargeable. These batteries can be deadly if swallowed by small children. Additionally, they pose a significant risk for fire because they contain large amounts of reactive lithium compounds. These batteries can ignite if they come in contact with water.
- Lithium-ion batteries: The lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and larger than lithium primary batteries. Typically, these batteries will power larger devices like laptops, cellular devices, and digital cameras. Exercise care around lithium-ion batteries as they can explode or start a fire.
Are Car Lithium Batteries Recyclable?
You can recycle lithium car batteries. Governments across the globe now mandate that these batteries be made so that it is easier to recycle lithium batteries made for electric vehicles. The recycling techniques used now make it possible to recover 95% of the raw materials used to make the batteries.
Benefits of Recycling Lithium Batteries
According to the Global Footprint Network, roughly 28 billion batteries are thrown away each year. The metals and toxins contained in these batteries will inevitably leech out into the soil contaminating the air, water, and earth in the vicinity. Keeping these materials out of landfills is a massive benefit of recycling lithium batteries. Other benefits include:
- It saves energy that would be spent on refining new materials
- Conserves natural resources like minerals and metals
- Reduce production of greenhouse gasses
- Sustain the environment for future generations
- Create well-paying jobs in the recycling industry
- Recycled materials are used to make other products
Dos and Don’ts of Recycling Lithium Batteries
Dos:
- Remove damaged or defective batteries from their devices. If it is unsafe to remove the batteries, recycle the whole unit
- Use an anti-static bag to store the batteries
- Store the container in a cool, dry place to prevent the threat of ignition
- Tape off exposed connectors
- Ensure the batteries are recycled at a certified recycling centre
Don’ts:
- Do not put defective or damaged batteries in regular household waste
- Do not crush or puncture batteries as puncture can lead to short circuit
- Do not store batteries near flammable materials
- Do not expose these batteries to water or excessively damp conditions
- Do not store the lithium or lithium-ion batteries in large quantities
Conclusion
Lithium and lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use daily, but when they reach the end of their life, proper recycling is essential.
At Collins Recycling, we ensure that each battery is responsibly managed through a careful process of collection, sorting, dismantling, and environmentally safe disposal.
Whether dealing with standard or damaged batteries, recycling them correctly not only prevents environmental harm but also conserves valuable resources. By taking your ewaste recycling materials to a dedicated recyling yard (such as ours), you ensure this is done effectively.
