How to Recycle Lithium Ion Batteries: The Process
Lithium ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery. They are the main power sources of things like:
- Electric vehicles
- Solar power storage
- Emergency power backups (UPS)
- Power tools
Some metals that make up lithium ion batteries are nickel, cobalt and copper. There are also various sorts of lithium ion batteries that contain…
- Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2)
- Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)
- Nickel Manganese Oxide (NMC)
After a while, lithium ion batteries wear out and must be replaced. This is commonly because of aging, overuse and overcharging. When it comes time to discard these, it is critical to comprehend the recycling process.
The Lithium Ion Battery Recycling Process
Recycling of lithium ion batteries consists of:
- First, recycling services buying or selling scrap. In this manner, they acquire cobalt, nickel and copper.
- Furthermore, recyclers deactivate the batteries. This is an essentail step to accomplish before the recycling procedure starts.
- Next, the batteries are placed in a special room. Thus, this room is oxygen-free.
- Afterwards, the process of extracting metals from their ores happens (this is called hydrometallurgy).
- Then, the process of utilizing aqueous solutions to extract metal from other metal bearing material happens (this is called leaching).
- Subsequently, the battery components are separated into three unique categories. The categories include cobalt, steel and aluminum, copper and plastic.
- Lastly, recycling services sell the recycled materials.
When professionals recycle lithium ion batteries, this reuses valuable materials, reduces space in landfills, protects natural resources and decreases pollution. There is even a chance to acquire some cash by selling scrap batteries to Interco for recycling. Interco sells lithium ion batteries as well.
Since the strategy has been talked about, one must understand why it is so important to recycle lithium ion batteries.
Why Recycle Lithium Ion Batteries?
Lithium ion battery recycling has numerous positive environmental impacts:
- Reuses valuable materials
- Diminishes space occupied in landfills
- Protects natural resources
- Reduces pollution
A few reusable materials contained inside lithium ion batteries include cobalt, nickel and copper. Reusing these materials prompts less space occupied in landfills which protects natural resources. Subsequently, this leads to less overall pollution.
People, organizations and governments are advancing toward a greener world. It is one critical approach to make this objective a reality.
Conclusion
Lithium ion batteries are a power source for electric vehicles, solar power storage, power tools and more. They also contain different reusable materials. As previously expressed, recycling reuses valuable materials, diminishes space in landfills, protects natural resources and more. Likewise, Interco purchases and sells lithium ion batteries to anybody interested by this product or service.
To learn more about lithium ion battery recycling, click here to contact us.