Around five years ago, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries made their debut in data centers for the first time. These batteries were designed to be used in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems as a method of assuring the continuous operation of mission-critical equipment in data centers. Even though Li-ion batteries are gaining in popularity due to their dependable performance, low maintenance requirements, and small footprint, there has been a significant amount of speculation regarding the costs associated with recycling these batteries as well as their long-term viability.
Skeptics thought that the vast majority of lithium-ion batteries are disposed of in landfills and that the recycling process for those batteries involves a furnace that melts all of the components of the battery, making it impossible to reuse anything other than the metals that are recovered.
You undoubtedly already know that recycling your used batteries is a good idea, but are you aware of the various advantages that occur from recycling batteries?
• Lithium is a highly reactive element in the periodic table.
Dumping aside chemistry for a moment, it is reasonable to say that there is a strong argument to be made that putting a lithium battery into a heap of paper recycling would not be the most responsible thing to do.
The power cells might catch fire if the temperature rises significantly or if an electrical discharge occurs. These incidents are very rare but are being reported with more frequency.
The stockpiling of water li-ion batteries poses threats to both the environment and people’s safety, even when it is carried out responsibly. Because these batteries, unlike certain other materials, cannot be directly reused, recycling is the only viable alternative available to deal with them. In addition, recycling lithium batteries reduces the amount of new mineral that has to be extracted, which is a practice that is almost always good for the environment.
• What are the steps involved in recycle lithiumion batteries?
To begin, those with the appropriate level of training must dismantle the battery components. These professionals are trained high-voltage specialists who are qualified to utilize insulated equipment to protect themselves and others from being electrocuted or experiencing a pack short circuit.
A short circuit in a lithium-ion battery is not enjoyable. It might lead to a rapid discharge and overheating, both of which could result in the production of noxious byproduct gases and an explosion in the cell.
You don’t even want me to expound on the mixture of cancer-causing electrolyte additives that are being released into the atmosphere in this way, do you?
After dismantling them, professionals evaluate each cell to decide whether or not it is in good enough condition to be used for another application and which cells need to be discarded.
The Battery Recycling Initiative has compiled a list that should be kept in mind each time you are presented with the option of recycling your old batteries or throwing them away in the trash. The items on this list include both recyclable and non-recyclable options.
In support of recycling, here are a few of the most essential reasons:
1. Recuperate the resources that are not renewable.
In order to meet the rising demand for batteries, more and more earth’s natural resources are being mined, processed, converted into batteries, and then thrown away.
In addition to rare earth elements, these materials consist of the metals. Certain kinds of batteries also include rare earth elements.
These metals cannot be replenished, but there is no limit to how many times they may be recycled.
If we throw them away in a landfill, they will no longer be useful to us. On the other hand, if we recycle them, we can ensure that these materials will continue to provide us with economic advantages.
2. Refrain from releasing dangerous substances into the environment.
Unfortunately, a good number of the metals that were mentioned in the prior paragraph are hazardous to both the health of humans and the environment.
Mercury is a contributing factor in mercury poisoning that has occurred in the past and continues to occur now. Lead and cadmium are two of the most hazardous types of contaminants that the environment may be exposed to.
Batteries are susceptible to deterioration when thrown away in landfills. After then, the poisonous elements may seep out of the landfill and into the surrounding rivers as well as the ocean. The mercury that is contained in the batteries that you throw out might make its way back to your table.
Recycling is the most practical solution to this issue, both from an economic and an environmental one.
3. Ensure expended batteries are stored securely
Explosions and fires caused by batteries are quite uncommon when compared to the sheer volume of batteries that are used. Nevertheless, fires at garbage facilities are not uncommon, and they may be notoriously difficult to put out.
Certain lithium batteries are indeed more prone to start fires than others, but if any of them get damaged or are subjected to high temperatures, they should all be handled with extreme caution. The potential for fire and explosion may be reduced if the substance is stored and handled correctly.
Another significant risk associated with batteries is posed by button cells of a smaller size. These are readily ingestible by young children and might result in serious injury or even death if they do so. They should be kept in a secure location, and as soon as possible, they should be sent to a recycling collection station for batteries.
4. Attempt to satisfy the growing demand for recycling
According to a study that was carried out by IPSOS in 2014, seventy-seven percent of customers are in agreement that it is crucial to recycle batteries rather than just dumping them.
This demonstrates that there is a desire among members of the community to support activities aimed at recycling batteries, which is excellent news for future recycling efforts.
Conclusion:
Recycle electric vehicle batteries, it is made considerably simpler for companies that generate bigger volumes of garbage from battery-powered devices. Simply give us a call, and we will send your organization a pre-paid battery collecting bucket in the appropriate size for it. All it takes is a simple phone call. Give us a call again when it’s done, and we’ll replace it with an empty container immediately.