Metal Recycling Facts for Various Types of Batteries

Batteries are a common commodity found in several homes, buildings, products, and everywhere else instant, long-lasting power is needed. In fact, more than three billion batteries are purchased each year; and sadly, wind up in landfills too. After all, when a battery runs out of juice, we tend to just throw them in the trash and head to the store for more.

The same goes for all other types of batteries as well, such as car batteries and mobile phone batteries. But batteries should be recycled! Although batteries retain different materials within them depending on the type they are, virtually all batteries can be reused as a secondary raw material.

Continue reading to learn more about recycling batteries, including the various types of batteries you can recycle.

Metal Recycling Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-244-0700
Metal Recycling Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-244-0700

The Environmental Benefits of Battery Recycling

As mentioned, there are several types of batteries used for countless applications and technologies. They contain toxic chemicals like cadmium, mercury, lead-acid, lithium, and nickel-metal-hydride that is harmful to the environment. When batteries are disposed in junkyards, these toxins seep into the soil and waterways, affecting the quality and future of our surrounding Eco-system. This is why recycling batteries is so beneficial. It prevents this environmental contamination and allows us to preserve our natural resources.

Common Types of Batteries and How They are Repurposed:

Nickel-Metal-Hydride

These are the most environmentally-friendly battery on this list. This is because the prominent material is nickel, which is classified as being only semi-toxic. The nickel is mechanically separated from the battery, and then reused in several industries, such as steel manufacturing, alloys, piping, electrical wiring, appliances, countertops, and more.

Lead-Acid Batteries

In the recycling process, lead is removed and separated from the rest of the materials in lead-acid batteries. Once the lead is extracted, it can be reused to make more batteries and battery-related merchandise, like battery plates and cases. Even the plastic film on lead-acid batteries can be recycled and reused to make containers, bottles, clothing, shoes, and more!  

Nickel-Cadmium

A thermal method is used to recycle nickel-cadmium batteries. The thermal process separates the nickel from the cadmium so that both metals can be reused in various industries. Common industries that benefit from recycled nickel and cadmium include automotive manufacturers, the steel industry, construction, and more.

Do you have a load of metal scrap, old electronics, or a junk car that you want to get rid of as easily as possible? Why not get paid cash on the spot too? Contact Zore’s Recycling division at 317-244-0700 to get paid cash on the spot for scrap metal recycling services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Indianapolis Metal Recycling
Indianapolis Metal Recycling