50
*Source: Eurobat/IHS Global 2014
Plastic Pellets
New Boxes & Lids
Lead
New Grids Lead Oxide
Electrolyte
Neutralise & Reuse
THE END IS JUST THE BEGINNING LEAD-ACID BATTERY RECYCLING
Did you know that the Lead-Acid battery is the most successfully recycled consumer product in the modern world? In fact 99% of the battery can be reused.
The container can be crushed, processed into plastic pellets to make new battery cases and lids.
The valuable lead in grids and terminals is smelted and re- formed to make new grids and lead oxide.
Even the electrolyte is neutralised and chemically processed to extract the sulphuric acid.
There are universal regulations to stop scrap batteries being disposed of in landfill, resulting in the release of harmful chemicals that affect our environment. But with increasing value of the raw materials, there is an economic benefit beyond contributing to our social obligation.
LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
issued by Eurobat
Do NOT send lithium-ion batteries to lead recyclers Use an approved facility for treatment and recycling.
There is a serious RISK OF FIRE and EXPLOSIONS if lithium- ion batteries enter the lead battery collection and recycling process
Batteries can appear similar, so make sure lead and lithium- ion batteries are IDENTIFIED and SORTED
Tips to identify battery types
Read the label - Look out for the Pb symbol on lead batteries or the Li symbol on lithium-ion batteries.
You may also be able to identify them by their manufacturer.
Notice the weight difference - Although they have similar dimensions lithium-ion are much lighter than lead batteries.
OF AUTOMOTIVE LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
ARE RECYCLED IN EUROPE*