Sparking Change: What You Need to Know About Battery Recycling

The invention of the first battery in 1799 was a significant human advancement, as transporting units of energy safely opened endless possibilities. Because of them, we can make phone calls from the depths of the oceans, photograph our planet from space, keep damaged hearts beating, and much more.

Modern lives cannot exist without them in today's technologically driven world, as batteries are crucial in powering our portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. As the demand for batteries continues to rise, it is essential to consider the environmental impact of their disposal.

The improper handling and disposal of batteries can lead to hazardous waste leakage, soil and water contamination, and detrimental effects on ecosystems. Therefore, wasted batteries must be disposed of correctly in blue battery recycling boxes and brought to a facility for a proper battery recycling process. There are several places to drop your used batteries off for recycling, such as a civic amenity or any organisation participating in a battery recycling programme. This is because when batteries get punctured by waste disposal machinery, they are highly flammable. Hence it is dangerous to dispose of them in general/recycling household waste.

In this blog, we will delve into the different types of batteries, the importance of battery recycling, and the value recycled batteries can bring to organisations.

Types of Batteries Found in Households and Offices

Several different types of batteries are found in households, each with its own chemistry and characteristics. Here are some of the most common types of batteries:

Alkaline Batteries: The most common batteries used in households and offices. Alkaline batteries are often used in remote controls, cameras, radios, toys, and wireless devices like keyboards and mice. If disposed of correctly, alkaline batteries can be safe and should be recycled in blue battery recycling boxes and brought to a recycling facility. Check out Codex’s Battery Drive in aid of LauraLynn.

Lithium-ion Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in portable electronics, such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. They offer high energy density and longer lifespans. Like all batteries, lithium-ion batteries should be recycled due to their potential environmental impact. Many electronics stores and recycling centres accept lithium-ion batteries for recycling.

Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries: Ni-Cd batteries were commonly used in older portable electronics and power tools. They contain toxic cadmium, so it is important to recycle them properly. Many battery retailers and recycling centres accept Ni-Cd batteries.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Batteries: Ni-MH batteries are commonly found in digital cameras, cordless phones, and other portable electronics. They have a higher energy density than Ni-Cd batteries and are less environmentally harmful. Many recycling programs and battery retailers accept Ni-MH batteries for recycling.

Lead-Acid Batteries: Lead-acid batteries are commonly used in vehicles, golf carts, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). They are large and heavy batteries that contain lead and sulfuric acid. These batteries are highly recyclable due to the valuable materials they have. Many automotive stores and recycling centres accept lead-acid batteries for recycling.

What is Battery Recycling and Why is it Important?

Battery recycling collects, processes, and reutilises used batteries to extract valuable materials and minimise environmental impact. Batteries, with their various metals, chemicals, and materials, can be recycled to recover valuable resources like lithium, cobalt, nickel, lead, and more. These salvaged materials can then be used to manufacture new batteries or other products, reducing the reliance on mining, and preserving natural resources.

Research suggests that only 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled, so improving this figure may reduce the amount of lithium that needs to be extracted.

The Effects of Battery Recycling on The Environment

Environmental Conservation

The improper disposal of batteries in landfills poses a significant environmental threat. When batteries degrade, they release toxic substances such as heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium) and corrosive chemicals into the soil and water, polluting ecosystems and posing health hazards. Recycling batteries helps prevent these pollutants from entering the environment, reducing the overall ecological impact.

Resource Conservation

Batteries contain valuable materials that can be reused. By recycling batteries, we can recover these valuable resources, reducing the need for raw material extraction through mining. This conservation of natural resources helps protect fragile ecosystems, reduces energy consumption, and minimises associated environmental impacts, including deforestation and habitat destruction.

Hazard Mitigation

Batteries contain hazardous components that can be harmful if improperly managed. When batteries end up in landfills, incinerators, or municipal recycling centres, they pose a risk of fires, explosions, and the release of toxic fumes. Recycling batteries ensures these components' safe and controlled disposal, minimising the risk of accidents and health hazards caused by improper handling or accidental battery damage.

Energy Efficiency

Recycled batteries consume significantly less energy than producing new batteries made from raw materials. The energy savings achieved through recycling contribute to a more sustainable and efficient battery production process, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. By conserving energy, battery recycling supports transitioning to a greener, more sustainable energy future.

The Dangers of Improper Battery Recycling

Codex’s Continuous Improvement team recently visited Thorntons Recycling as part of our company-wide initiative to reduce the weight of our waste. While there, the team learnt that batteries are one of Thornton's facility's most significant fire hazards. As waste is segregated over a series of conveyor belts, batteries become damaged and can produce heat and release flammable vapours.

The dangers of batteries became evident when Thorntons experienced a devastating fire at their Ballyfermot facility in January 2021. Thankfully, their employees were unharmed. However, the facility suffered catastrophic damage and remained closed extensively while being rebuilt.

The Value of Recycling Used Batteries

Used batteries are highly valuable. Recycling used batteries benefits the environment by reducing hazardous waste and can help support charities and nonprofit organisations in many ways. Here are two ways in which recycling batteries can contribute to charitable causes:

1. Battery Recycling Programmes

Some battery recycling programmes partner with charities and nonprofit organisations to raise funds. They collect used batteries, recycle them, and donate the proceeds to support charitable initiatives. Participating in these programs can indirectly contribute to these causes while responsibly disposing of your batteries.

2. Battery Collection Drives

Charitable organisations and schools sometimes organise battery collection drives for fundraising or awareness campaigns. They encourage individuals and communities to bring in their used batteries, which are then recycled. The funds raised from the recycling process can be used to support the organisation’s charitable activities.

Many charities like Laura Lynn have benefited immensely from adequately recycling used batteries. Through WEEE Ireland’s battery recycling campaign, LauraLynn has received a total of €520,000 since their partnership began almost 12 years ago.

The Codex Team Battery Drive in aid of LauraLynn

In partnership with WEEE Ireland, Codex is running a team battery collection drive, asking all employees to collect their used batteries and safely recycle them in one of WEEE Ireland’s blue battery boxes distributed around our Dublin HQ.

An easy and effective way to do our part for the environment, every battery recycled by WEEE Ireland goes towards a donation fund to support LauraLynn. What better way to dispose of your old batteries than by supporting a wonderful cause at the same time

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Battery recycling promotes sustainability, environmental protection, and resource conservation. By recycling batteries, we can reduce the negative impact of improper disposal, conserve valuable resources, minimise hazardous waste, and contribute to a greener future.

As responsible consumers, educating ourselves about battery recycling, using available collection programmes, and supporting initiatives that promote responsible disposal and recycling of batteries is crucial. We can spark change and create a more sustainable world for future generations.

Learn more about CSR initiatives at Codex.

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