Batteries power our world. From the smallest hearing aids to enormous electric mine vehicles, these energy storage devices are everywhere.
While batteries are essential to modern life, they also pose a significant environmental challenge when they reach the end of their lifespan.
This is where battery recycling comes in.
As Perth’s battery recycling specialists, we’re breaking down the different battery types, their recycling processes, and the environmental and economic benefits of recycling.
The Different Types of Batteries
There are several types of batteries, each with its own composition.
While this is good for technology, it’s a logistical challenge for battery recyclers like C.D. Dodd. With so many types, and even more sizes and shapes within those types, it’s hard to develop standardised recycling procedures.
As a result, some batteries get recycled more than others. The CSIRO found that 98% of lead-acid batteries were recycled in 2021, compared to just 10% of lithium-ion batteries.
This is a growing problem – one we’re working hard to solve.
Let’s look at the different types of batteries in circulation and best-practice battery disposal methods.
Lead-acid batteries
Lead-acid batteries are by far the most common type. They’re composed of lead plates submerged in sulfuric acid, and they’ve been around in some form for over a century.
Today, lead-acid batteries are used in vehicles, backup power systems, and industrial applications.
This history and abundance means there are well-established lead-acid battery recycling processes. At our Perth battery recycling facility, we break down lead-acid batteries, separate the components, and recover materials for reuse.
Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries power consumer electronics (smartphones, laptops, tools and e-bikes), electric vehicles and smart home devices. As demand for these devices grows exponentially, so does the world’s battery disposal problem.
Lithium-ion batteries are energy-dense, affordable and long-lasting. However, the same materials that power those advantages make Li-ion batteries harder to recycle.
Current methods include:
- Dry shredding under an inert gas blanket
- Wet shredding with the batteries submerged in a brine solution
- Heated smelting (pyrometallurgy)
- Liquid-based leaching (hydrometallurgy)
There is also the challenge of determining whether a battery has residual charge. Safely discharging batteries before recycling prevents fires and explosions.
Battery recycling companies, research institutions and governments are collaborating to investigate safer, more effective techniques and equipment.
Already, this is leading to pioneering technologies being developed in Australia. For example, the CSIRO commissioned a dry-shredding plant, the first of its kind in the country, that uses new processes to recover valuable materials.
Nickel-cadmium batteries
Once a popular choice for portable electronics and power tools, nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries have seen a decline due to environmental concerns.
Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal. Proper NiCd battery disposal and recycling is crucial to prevent contaminants from leaching into soil and water.
The process involves collecting and sorting batteries, followed by high-temperature metal recovery. The cadmium is carefully disposed of or reused in new batteries.
Nickel-metal hydride batteries
Normally seen as a replacement for NiCd technology, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries offer higher energy density and longer life cycles – without the toxic cadmium component.
NiMH batteries are rechargeable with high efficiency. This makes them useful for everyday devices that consume lots of charge, like gaming controllers, RC vehicles and cameras.
The absence of cadmium also simplifies the recycling process. NiMH batteries are collected and dismantled, then they undergo a chemical process to extract nickel, rare earth elements and other valuable materials.
Alkaline batteries
The chances are high that you have at least a dozen alkaline batteries nearby. Marketed as AA, AAA and 9-volt batteries, alkaline batteries are widely used in household devices like remote controls, flashlights and toys.
Alkaline batteries are primary batteries, meaning they can’t be recharged. When drained and discarded, they enter the recycling plant along with other disposable batteries.
They are first separated before undergoing a mechanical separation process, commonly called “crushing”. Zinc and manganese are extracted and purified for reuse in new products.
While alkaline batteries offer good energy density and long shelf life, recycling is challenging due to the low value of recovered materials and high battery recycling costs. However, advancements in recycling technologies and increasing environmental awareness are driving improvements in alkaline battery recycling.
We’re also making it easier for Western Australians to access safe and sustainable battery disposal options. Our state-wide battery collection network and regular battery drives prevent dead batteries from ending up in landfills.
Learn more about partnering with C.D. Dodd to organise a battery disposal drive in your community.
Button cell batteries
The small disc-shaped batteries used in watches, hearing aids, calculators, and electronics are known as button cell batteries.
They can be made up of a variety of metals, including mercury, lithium and silver oxide. Proper battery disposal prevents these contaminants from adding to Australia’s e-waste problem.
The recycling process for a button cell battery depends on its composition. Most will undergo mechanical separation (shredding) followed by a specialised chemical process to extract valuable materials.
The Benefits of Battery Recycling
Proper battery disposal is more beneficial than most people realise. There is rising awareness of the environmental advantages, but that’s not the full story.
Less landfill
Battery recycling prevents harmful substances like lead, cadmium and lithium from contaminating soil and water through landfill leaching.
Money in your pocket
Organising a battery recycling drive is a great way to raise money for your community or chosen charity. We’ll help you collect and sort old batteries and pay you to take them away.
Circular economy
Recovering valuable metals like lead, lithium, cobalt and nickel reduces the need to mine new materials. This diminishes the environmental impact of mining operations and supports the circular economy, where recycled material is used to create new devices.
Economic opportunities
A healthy recycling industry creates jobs and stimulates scientific research. The more Australians get on board with recycling batteries, the more R&D and innovations we can expect to see.
The Bottom Line on Battery Disposal in Perth
Battery disposal and recycling is a complex and challenging sector. It’s ripe for innovation, and you can play a part.
By embracing battery recycling in your home, community or business, you can contribute to a sustainable future and encourage further development in battery recycling technology.
We’re doing our part by investing in innovative recycling technology and continually improving our methods to reclaim and reuse more material.
Get in touch to organise a safe, sustainable and potentially profitable battery collection.