Battery Management & Recycling
There are many different kinds of batteries. When batteries are no longer usable, they must be managed properly to prevent groundwater contamination and protect the environment. Patriot Lamp Recycling recycles all types of batteries such as Alkaline, Lead-Acid, NiCD, Lithium, Lithium Ion and more.
How are Used Alkaline Batteries Regulated for Businesses?
Alkaline batteries are also called primary or non-rechargeable batteries. The positive pole (anode) of the battery contains zinc, while the negative pole (cathode) contains manganese dioxide. Potassium hydroxide electrolyte, a strong alkali, is contained within the cells of alkaline batteries. If alkaline batteries are damaged or mishandled, the potassium hydroxide may leak out of the battery cell. Severe chemical burns can result if potassium hydroxide comes into contact with the skin or eyes. U.S. EPA's hazardous waste regulations set limits for certain metals and organic compounds in wastes. When these limits are exceeded, the waste is considered hazardous and must be appropriately managed and disposed of. Anyone who generates waste, such as used alkaline batteries, is required to determine if their waste is hazardous.
To conduct a hazardous waste determination, you must either:
1. Have the used alkaline batteries tested using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) to determine the concentration of specific metals and organics.
2. Have knowledge of the characteristics of the used alkaline batteries, such as knowing the types of materials it contains. You must document how you arrived at your decision using your knowledge of the process producing the waste. Using past analytical lab data may also help you establish a basis for making your determination using your knowledge.
How are Used Alkaline Batteries Regulated for Businesses?
Alkaline batteries are also called primary or non-rechargeable batteries. The positive pole (anode) of the battery contains zinc, while the negative pole (cathode) contains manganese dioxide. Potassium hydroxide electrolyte, a strong alkali, is contained within the cells of alkaline batteries. If alkaline batteries are damaged or mishandled, the potassium hydroxide may leak out of the battery cell. Severe chemical burns can result if potassium hydroxide comes into contact with the skin or eyes. U.S. EPA's hazardous waste regulations set limits for certain metals and organic compounds in wastes. When these limits are exceeded, the waste is considered hazardous and must be appropriately managed and disposed of. Anyone who generates waste, such as used alkaline batteries, is required to determine if their waste is hazardous.
To conduct a hazardous waste determination, you must either:
1. Have the used alkaline batteries tested using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) to determine the concentration of specific metals and organics.
2. Have knowledge of the characteristics of the used alkaline batteries, such as knowing the types of materials it contains. You must document how you arrived at your decision using your knowledge of the process producing the waste. Using past analytical lab data may also help you establish a basis for making your determination using your knowledge.
How Are Used Alkaline Batteries Recycled?
The batteries are shredded and given a slight acid bath to neutralize the electrolyte. This material is run through a rotary kiln to dry. At this point, carbon steel turnings are blended in at a ratio of 20-40 parts to 1 part of battery material. This blended material is pressed into bricks which are magnetic. This material is transported to a steel mill for processing. In the furnace of the steel mill, the zinc from the battery is fumed off into a vacuum bag house for recovery and resale as zinc-oxide. The manganese dioxide becomes an alloy in the production of re-bar steel.
The batteries are shredded and given a slight acid bath to neutralize the electrolyte. This material is run through a rotary kiln to dry. At this point, carbon steel turnings are blended in at a ratio of 20-40 parts to 1 part of battery material. This blended material is pressed into bricks which are magnetic. This material is transported to a steel mill for processing. In the furnace of the steel mill, the zinc from the battery is fumed off into a vacuum bag house for recovery and resale as zinc-oxide. The manganese dioxide becomes an alloy in the production of re-bar steel.
How Are Used Lead Acid Batteries Recycled?
The recycling process separates the lead plates, polypropylene plastics, and sulfur acids. The lead and the polypropylene are reclaimed for use in new batteries, and the sulfuric acid is neutralized so it can be disposed of safely.
The recycling process separates the lead plates, polypropylene plastics, and sulfur acids. The lead and the polypropylene are reclaimed for use in new batteries, and the sulfuric acid is neutralized so it can be disposed of safely.
How Are Nickel Cadmium / Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries Recycled?
Nickel Cadmium / Nickel Metal Hydride (NiCD) rechargeable or "secondary batteries are disassembled by shredding and/or hammer-mill. The electrolytes are neutralized; the heavy metals are recovered by pyrometallurgical processes; and the heavy metals are sold back into the manufacturing chain.
Nickel Cadmium / Nickel Metal Hydride (NiCD) rechargeable or "secondary batteries are disassembled by shredding and/or hammer-mill. The electrolytes are neutralized; the heavy metals are recovered by pyrometallurgical processes; and the heavy metals are sold back into the manufacturing chain.