Batteries are recycled in a multistep metallurgical process. Batteries are shredded and sorted into requisite components. There are many metals, plastics, and secondary materials that are recovered including zinc and iron.
Keep reading to find out how you could even potentially get paid to recycle your old batteries and have them taken out of your hands (and off your mind) as soon as tomorrow.
Depending on the battery type, here are specific guidelines to follow in order to properly recycle them.
But don’t worry — for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, we at Battery Recyclers of America provide white-glove services to palletize your batteries that adhere to federal DOT safety regulations.
For more details, we conveniently offer a comprehensive step-by-step guide to package your batteries here . For other types of batteries, we also provide detailed answers on our FAQ page regarding how to package different battery types.
If you’re unsure whether you have lithium ion batteries, feel free to contact us and one of our associates will help you identify them.
Don’t stress yourself about recycling your batteries. We can reach you anywhere you are and always comply with all laws and regulations.
We can handle all your battery recycling needs no matter how many batteries you have. We can take them off your hands as soon as tomorrow.
Federal law states that certain batteries must be recycled, and lithium-ion batteries fits this criteria. The “Battery Act” (The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act of 1996) was set out to ensure that batteries such as li-ion batteries can be recycled for reuse, instead of being released into the environment.
Battery Recyclers of America provides battery recycling solutions for any type of batteries. Let us do the heavy lifting to ensure that you join our contribution in recycling the materials used in batteries for further use, and eliminating the risk of the exposing dangerous chemicals into the environment.
Each state has its own battery recycling laws. For more on battery recycling laws, check out BatteryCouncil.org which has a breakdown of battery recycling laws by state.
To reduce toxic chemicals in the environment, the EPA (Environmental Proection Agency) created the Universal Waste Regulation to encourage safe recycling and disposal of harmful waste, such as lithium-ion batteries.
To avoid paying hefty compliance fees to the EPA, most american plants outsource their disposal to international plants where environmental laws are more lenient. We guarantee that when you recycle with us, you will be using eco-friendly recycling programs that abide by local, state, and federal regulations.
Since Battery Recyclers of America was formed, we have recycled over 15 million pounds of battery waste. When we work together, we can mitigate the effects of harmful chemicals, decrease our waste, and ensure the health of our environment and planet.
We even provide our clients with a certificate as proof that all received materials have been appropriately recycled in processes that are compliant with EPA regulations.
Most of our clients do not have to pay to recycle with us. In fact, many of them are eligible to receive cash, depending on the type of batteries they recycle.
To learn more about our EPA-approved battery disposal process, click here .
Battery Recyclers of America will help you set up safe recycling programs that abide by these guidelines.
Misidentification of batteries during recycling can lead to hazardous shipping and recycling incidents. If you’re unsure which battery type you have, feel free to contact us, and one of our associates will gladly assist you when identifying your batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that are found in electronic devices such as laptops, cell phones, cameras, power tools, and certain specialty devices. These batteries are made of nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, electrolyte, and certain forms of plastic casing. The metals and plastics they contain can be reused in new products, so there is value in recycling them.
Li-ion batteries are one of the most popular types of rechargeable batteries due to their high energy density and low self-discharge. Because of their power and longevity, these batteries are becoming a common replacement for many uses, spanning outside of just home electronics.
Chemicals inside most batteries begin to break apart once the battery is put to use. This process creates a reaction where ions and electrons are produced to create energy for whatever the battery is powering.
The problem with most batteries is that this can only happen once. Lithium-ion batteries solve this issue because they are rechargeable, providing both high energy density and a long lifespan.
Li-ion batteries work like many other batteries in that they release these electrons from one end of the battery to the other to release energy. These two ends are known as the anode and the cathode. In regular batteries, this process can only happen once before the battery becomes useless.
The chargers that are used for lithium-ion batteries fix this problem by moving the ions in the opposite direction they were moving when in use. As they flow back from the cathode to the anode, the battery’s energy is restored and ready for reuse.
Lithium-ion batteries typically last for about two-three years. As time goes on, the charge ability and energy begin to degrade. When the time comes that they can’t do the job anymore, be sure to reach out to Battery Recyclers of America to ensure that the materials in the battery can be reused for other products.
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