General Recycling Issues, and Drivers

GENERAL RECYCLING ISSUES, AND DRIVERS Economics and Planning 

A closer examination of hazardous waste characteristics of battery materials does reveal differences between battery chemistries. The toxicity of conventional battery materials such as lead, antimony and cadmium are well known, and therefore they are usually recovered as much as possible rather than disposing of them. Strict emission controls are required to prevent their release into the air or water. The problems with advanced battery systems in this regard are not quite so severe, but there still may be reactive, corrosive, or toxic materials present that must be dealt with during the recycling process. 

Both Ni/MH and Li-ion batteries do contain hazardous materials. Niekel/metal hydride battery packs, of course, contain nickel, which is a suspected carcinogen in some forms. However, the only hazardous material in a Ni/MH battery, as defined by federal regulations, is the potassium hydroxide (KOH)-based electrolyte (corrosive). The only characteristic hazard of any consequence for the electrode materials in these batteries is toxicity. The hazard level is determined by a test called the toxicity characteristic 

Material Health Impact Score Material Health Impact Score 

Note A higher number indicates a greater effect.  

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