Battery recycling

Batteries are becoming fast growing recycling waste stream. This is largely because of the increasing popularity of battery-driven devices as well as electric vehicles, such as e-cars. According to market analysts, the global battery sector was worth EUR 96 billion in 2022.

Strong battery sales have also encouraged recyclers to expand their operations. As a result, the global battery recycling industry is currently valued at EUR 24 billion. Recyclers are capable of processing all kinds of batteries.

Battery types include:

• Alkaline batteries
• Lithium-ion batteries
• Lead-acid batteries
• Nickel cadmium batteries
• Nickel metal hydride batteries
• Zinc air batteries
• Sodium-sulfur batteries
• Solid state batteries

The lead acid type currently has the biggest market share. It is considered a hazardous waste stream due to the lead and sulfuric acid.

Recyclers are eager to recover black mass from used batteries. This resource is ever more important if we take into account the scarcity of battery materials as well as geopolitics. The output fractions from recycled batteries contain desirable metals, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese.

Batteries can be recovered from:

• Smartphones
• Laptops
• Cameras
• Children’s toys
• Shoewear
• Watches
• Remote controls
• Hearing aids
• Flashlight
• Electronic cars
• Electronic bikes
• Electronic scooters
• Electronic buses/trucks

Researchers are collaborating with industry specialists and investment companies to advance battery recycling technology. Modern-day solutions include sorting lines, state-of-the-art metallurgical recycling plants and cathode pressurisation techniques.

To ensure maximum recycling efficiency, it is vital that batteries are properly collected and sorted. Consumers can do their part by taking their spent batteries to local collection points, which are often located at supermarkets and stores. Recyclers also offer pick-up collection services to companies in the area, sometimes even nation-wide. 

Who is involved?

Recyclers dedicated to battery recycling have formed industry advocacy groups, collection schemes, think tanks and recycling coalitions. Examples include:

• Call2Recycling (North America)
• EBRA (Europe)
• Eucobat (Europe)
• Association of Battery Recyclers (Europe)
• ARBI (Australia)
• BIR Electronics & Battery division (Global)

Industry experts frequently discuss new battery recycling technology, buisness models, research, trade trends and changes in legislation at conferences and trade shows. New rules outling battery waste management includes the EU Battery Directive.