Recycling and disposal of battery materials

Abstract

The technical specifications of electrochemical power sources have improved dramatically over the last few decades in order to accompany the requirements of the wide range of electronic devices that support our everyday business and leisure activities. At the end of useful service these sources of portable energy already make a significant contribution to the chemical content of industrial and domestic waste. In this article the authors identify the battery component of current waste stream, the environmental impact, public awareness and acceptance of battery recycling, current best collection, sorting and processing strategies and the legislation that is driving a change of approach to spent battery treatment within Europe, North America and Asia.