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 to properly recycle them.
But don’t worry — for lithium 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 packaging 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 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 batteries fit this criteria. The “Battery Act” (The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act of 1996) was set out to ensure that batteries such as lithium 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 exposing dangerous chemicals into the environment.
Each state has its own battery recycling laws. For more on battery recycling laws, check out BatteryCoucil.org which has a breakdown of battery recycling laws by state.
In order to create safe recycling and disposal processes of batteries, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) created the Universal Waste Regulation. This has set in place proven recycling techniques and ensured the safety of all those involved. When you choose to work with Battery Recyclers of America, we guarantee you’ll not only be a part of a positive contribution to a healthier environment, you’ll also have the best recycling experience available.
Unfortunately most plants in the United States outsource their disposal to international plants where they can bypass strict environmental laws. We at Battery Recyclers of America prioritize the safety of our environment and all those who call it home, which is why our eco-friendly recycling programs that abide by local, state, and federal regulations.
With the help of our clients, we have recycled over 15 million pounds of battery waste. When we work together, we can create a cleaner and safer environment and ensure the health of our planet.
At the end of every transaction, we provide our clients with a recycling certificate. Having this certificate is proof that all batteries have been properly recycled in processes that are compliant with EPA regulations.
In fact, when you recycle with us, you may be eligible to receive cash, depending on the type of batteries you recycle.
To learn more about our EPA-approved lithium battery disposal process, click here.
Lithium batteries are rechargeable and single use 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.
Lithium batteries are one of the most popular types of 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 batteries solve this issue because they are rechargeable, providing both high energy density and a long lifespan.
Lithium 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 batteries in equipment 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 batteries often last between one to 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.