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BATTERY RECYCLING

Most batteries contain heavy metals which is the main cause for environmental concern. Disposed of incorrectly, the heavy metals may leak into the ground when the battery erodes.  This contributes to soil and water pollution and endangers wildlife. Some components in batteries can be toxic to fish and make them unfit for human consumption.

Each year Australian’s discard about 8,000 tonnes of used batteries.  The Australian Bureau of Statistics stated in a report published in November 2003 (4602.0 Environmental Issues People’s Views and Practices). Batteries are the most common form of hazardous waste disposed of by Australian Households, with 97% of those disposing of them via their usual rubbish collection.

To the average Australian consumer, a battery is a battery.  They are not always aware of its chemistry, its ability to be recycled or the effects that battery can have on our environment if disposed of incorrectly.

In Australia, except for lead acid type chemistries, all other battery disposal collection for recycling overseas is carried out by MRI Australia. At present MRI export batteries to recycling facilities in France and Asia.

However, scientists, industry, environmentalists, government and recyclers are presently investigating the feasibility of building Australia’s first plant for recycling consumer product batteries e.g. Alkaline household batteries.

Battery World offer consumers a free battery recycling service. Businesses are welcome to contact a Battery World store to make commercial arrangements to dispose of their batteries or they can go to MRI direct - www.mri.com.au.

Mobile Phone Battery Recycling

The mobile phone industry, because of its desire to maintain high environmental standards, has voluntarily developed the Mobile Phone Industry Recycling Program (MPIRP).  The program aims to ensure that potentially toxic components in mobile phones and batteries do not end up in landfill, but rather are recycled.

The MPIRP is a voluntary scheme where the participating members provide the necessary funding by paying a levy on each handset sold into the Australian market.

The collected phone handsets, batteries and accessories are recycled under contract by MRI Australia.  The recycling process prevents the reformation of environmentally damaging compounds such as dioxins and furans in the exhaust gas stream.  It provides a complete breakdown of chemical compounds and is suitable for all phones and batteries including the newer Lithium Ion and Lithium Polymer types.

However in a 2004 published report, the handset manufacturing industry’s peak representative body, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), revealed that the collection scheme has only caught a fraction of the estimated 5.5 million mobiles retired since it started in 1999.

Current Battery Recycling Procedures:

Normal Household Batteries - Alkaline

Since the early 1990's nearly all alkaline batteries have been manufactured with "no mercury added". These batteries are considered non-hazardous waste and are safe for disposal in the normal municipal waste stream. Recycling of alkaline batteries is still considered too expensive to be a commercial reality, however an Australian company is working on building

the first alkaline battery recycling plant which will allow the recovery of up to 30% of

the battery. Currently these batteries are sent to landfill by usual means or if in

large volumes may be encapsulated in concrete.

Carbon-Zinc

These batteries are considered non-hazardous waste and are safe for disposal in the normal municipal waste stream. Recycling of carbon zinc batteries is still considered too expensive to be a commercial reality. These batteries are sent to landfill by usual means or if in large volumes may be encapsulated in concrete.

Industrial Batteries - Lithium

Lithium (metal) batteries contain no toxic metals but there is a possibility of fire if the metallic lithium is exposed to moisture upon cell corrosion, so it is recommended that these are returned to Battery World stores for recycling. 

Laptop Batteries - Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)

Li-Ion batteries do not contain metallic lithium and therefore are not an environmental risk. These batteries do however contain recyclable materials and are accepted for recycling by MRI.

Car Batteries - Lead Acid & Sealed Lead Battery (SLA)

Lead Acid Batteries are recoverable to 96% and the materials extracted are used in remanufacturing of batteries, plastic moulding applications and the acid is neutralised and discharged.

Rechargeable Batteries

Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)

The toxic cadmium content renders these types of batteries hazardous to the environment. Returning them for recycling to the manufacturer or battery retailer is considered non-careless disposal. The Melbourne based company MRI are specialists in NiCd battery disposal.

For example - Cordless Phone Batteries

Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)

Although Ni-MH batteries are considered environmentally friendly, this type of battery chemistry can be recycled. The Nickel component is semi-toxic and electrolyte in large amounts can be hazardous to the environment.

For example - Mobile Phone Batteries