facts about battery recycling

7 Interesting Facts About Battery Recycling

 

We bet you didn’t know these 7 interesting facts about battery recycling and why it’s an important Green Act for the planet!

 

Batteries can leak harmful materials

Batteries can leak heavy harmful metals, such as nickel, cadmium and lithium which contaminate our local soils, groundwater, and streams. 

 
That’s why we absolutely need to ensure they make their way to a proper recycling facility.

Can batteries be recycled?

YES! More than 97% of lead-acid batteries are recycled, making it one of the most recycled consumer products in the world.

Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in mobile phones and electric vehicles, can also be recycled. However, the recycling process is more complex and expensive than for lead-acid batteries.

Recycling batteries can recover valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which can be used to make new batteries.

The recycling rate for lithium-ion batteries is currently around 5%, but it is expected to increase as the demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems grows.

facts about battery recycling

How to dispose of batteries

Battery recycling can also create jobs and contribute to the economy. According to a report by the International Energy Agency, the battery value chain could create 10 million jobs by 2030.

In the European Union, manufacturers are required by law to take back and recycle batteries, ensuring that they are disposed of safely and sustainably.

Some companies are developing new technologies to make battery recycling more efficient and cost-effective. For example, a company called Li-Cycle has developed a process that can recover up to 95% of the materials in lithium-ion batteries.

alannah hardcastle
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Alannah Hardcastle

Passionate about leveraging the power of communications to drive positive change, Alannah knows how to engage communities with purpose. She’s particularly keen on building a diverse and inclusive community that upholds values to create a social and environmental impact.

The Battery Recycling Process [Video]

Recycling batteries can also help reduce the demand for new raw materials, which can be environmentally damaging to extract.

Despite the benefits of battery recycling, many batteries still end up in landfills or are disposed of improperly. It is important to educate consumers about the importance of battery recycling and make it easier for them to recycle their batteries.

Battery Recycling Near Me

If you live in the Peterborough, Ontario area (where we are headquartered!),

Our Green Acts Business Member Nurse Scrap Metal Inc. says:

“Did you know we pay you cash for your old used batteries? We buy car batteries, ATV batteries, marine batteries, household batteries, lithium, ni-cad, and more!”

Nurse Scrap Metal has been a long-standing business in the Peterborough area since 1954 and now has two locations to serve you better!

Check out this website here to find a place near you that accepts batteries for recycling!

If you liked this article filled with interesting facts about battery recycling you might enjoy our other blog:

A Guide To Plastic Recycling Numbers

 

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